Arctic Six project strives for a more secure future for the Arctic

Niklas Eklund is a professor of Political Science at Umeå University. He has recently been appointed Arctic Six Chair, a position that open doors for significant research opportunities in Arctic security. The project aims to develop comprehensive research collaborations between the six universities in northern Sweden, Finland, and Norway that are part of The Arctic Six, as well as other international actors, with the goal of working towards a multinational research application. Eklund sees this as a springboard for developing security in the Arctic.

Versatile researcher and a "naturalised northerner"

Niklas Eklund is a versatile researcher with a broad academic background who has participated in several international research projects. Eklund describes himself as a "naturalised northerner" after living in Umeå since his teenage years. His research has spanned several areas, from political science and regional studies to disinformation and Arctic security. Eklund emphasizes the importance of keeping multiple research tracks alive in parallel and sees his role as Arctic Six Chair as an opportunity to focus even more on Arctic security.

"It feels very exciting to have been appointed Arctic Six Chair. It aligns with things I have been involved in before, but under different circumstances," says Eklund.

The project will develop collaborations on security issues

The project within The Arctic Six focuses on civil-military relations and aims to develop collaborations in the area of security, with a particular focus on the Northern European Arctic context. Eklund explains that the goal is to raise questions, discuss them, and establish contacts with actors at the partner universities to then work on a large research application. The project also aims to include a clear interdisciplinary perspective involving researchers from various research areas and their different perspectives on security.

The Arctic as an area is of great global interest, and our research can provide insights into how different actors operate in the area

A strategy meeting is planned where various researchers in Arctic security at the partner universities for the first time will discuss common research questions and develop a platform for security research.

"We will discuss questions, find out who is working on what, and how we can piece together the ideas. Once we have established ideas, we aim to collaborate with actors outside academia, stakeholders such as municipalities, county councils, industry representatives, and the like," Eklund describes.

Eklund hopes the project will lead to a better understanding of Arctic security

Eklund hopes that within two years, the project will lead to a large research application involving several of the universities within The Arctic Six. He sees it as an opportunity to spread research results globally and contribute to a better understanding of Arctic security.

"The Arctic as an area is of great global interest, and our research can provide insights into how different actors operate in the area," Eklund emphasizes.

Niklas Eklund's project within The Arctic Six has the potential not only to impact security in the Arctic but also to contribute to a global understanding of the region's significance and challenges. His visionary leadership and commitment to interdisciplinary research make him a central figure in the pursuit of a safer and more sustainable future for the Arctic.