Adaptive mechanisms across scales: researchers meet in Abisko

On 19–23 January 2026, a group of almost 40 researchers from institutions in Korea and Europe, spanning physics, biology, mathematics and ecology, met in Abisko for the Arctic Meeting for Adaptive Mechanisms in Biological Systems. The conference was jointly organised by HyeJin Park of Inha University, Korea, together with Eric Libby and Ludvig Lizana of the Integrated Science Lab (IceLab) at Umeå University. It brought their Swedish–Korean STINT collaboration grant to a close, while also opening new possibilities linked to the Stress Response Modelling centre at IceLab.

It was a warm gathering—I laughed a lot and enjoyed talking with everyone.

An exciting scientific programme featured presentations ranging from experimental physics to theoretical modelling. A wide range of topics was covered, including ageing in bacteria, particle motion, multicellular stress responses, and epidemic vaccination strategies. Speakers and poster presenters did an excellent job of engaging the audience and communicating across research fields. 

“All the presenters did a really good job of making sure that their talks were clear and that they didn’t leave any of their diverse audience behind,” said PhD student Aswin Gopakumar of IceLab and the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics.

This inclusive presentation style kept the audience engaged, as reflected in the perceptive and constructive questions after each talk, which flowed naturally into lively discussions during the coffee breaks.

Beyond the talks, the conference also sparked new potential collaborations, according to Eric Libby, co-organizer and associate professor of IceLab and the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, Umeå University. “For me personally, there are several people I plan to reach out to in the coming months to continue our scientific conversations—and that is the mark of a successful conference.”

Holding the conference in Abisko, of course we hoped to treat our Korean collaborators to an aurora show, and it exceeded all my hopes and expectations

The conference was valued not just for its scientific discussions, but also the scenery - and light displays - on offer in Abisko in January. When participants were asked about their highlights, there was a clear consensus: the aurora. Postdoctoral researcher Sunhee Chae of Inha University in Korea said, “We were lucky to see the northern lights almost every day, especially pink! It was a warm gathering—I laughed a lot and enjoyed talking with everyone. I also enjoyed experiencing Swedish food and culture.”

On the final evening of the meeting, the researchers took part in an organised trip to the Abisko Aurora Sky Station, where they were treated to a full 360-degree auroral display. “Holding the conference in Abisko, of course we hoped to treat our Korean collaborators to an aurora show, and it exceeded all my hopes and expectations,“ said organiser, Ludvig Lizana, describing the scene as a beautiful dance of purple and green fronds across the sky. Another organiser, HyeJin Park, said, “I think we were really lucky—when we were here 14 years ago, it was not this good.”

There are several people I plan to reach out to in the coming months to continue our scientific conversations—and that is the mark of a successful conference.

While the conference marked the end of the current STINT collaboration grant, the organisers emphasised that it is not the end of their collaborations. Instead, they are excited to see what new projects emerge.