NEWS At a time when polar science is increasingly entangled with questions of security, diplomacy, sustainability, and Indigenous rights, Umeå emerged as a strategic meeting ground for shaping Europe’s future role in the Arctic and Antarctic. By convening key actors around the upcoming International Polar Year and the UN Decade for Cryospheric Sciences, the city affirms its position as a hub for collaboration, coordination, and critical knowledge production.
Arctic research cannot be done in isolation. It requires collaboration, dialogue and mutual understanding.
As Polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic) face increasing pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, security challenges, and socio-economic changes, broad collaborations are central to the international response. On the 7th of May, scholars, policymakers, Sámi leaders, and global science experts convened in Umeå to shape Europe’s role in two defining initiatives of our time: the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034) and the 5th International Polar Year (2032–2033).
The event, "European Polar Research in Focus: Enhancing Impact and Presence in the International Polar Year and the Decade of the Cryosphere," is co-hosted by the Arctic Centre at Umeå University and the European Polar Board, in collaboration with the Centre for the Arctic and Antarctic at Luleå University of Technology and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. It marked a strategic moment for Swedish and European polar research to enhance its global significance—scientifically, socially, and politically.
Elle Merete Omma, Head of the EU Unit Sámi Council.
Image Monica BörlinThe opening set the tone with insights from Marie-Louise Rönnmark, Umeå’s lord mayor, and Tora Holmberg, the new Vice Chancellor of Umeå University. Presentations followed by Elle Merete Omma, Head of the EU Unit of the Sámi Council, who highlighted Sámi Arctic experiences. She stressed that:
“This is a moment for us to look ahead and […] take full advantage of this unique setting to build partnerships, ask relevant and pressing research questions and design solutions rooted both in science and in the lived experience of the people who call this region home. Arctic research cannot be done in isolation. It requires collaboration, dialogue and mutual understanding.”
Antonio Quesada, Spanish Polar Committee.
Image Monica BörlinAs Sweden seeks to play a more prominent role in international polar science diplomacy, Sweden’s Arctic Ambassador Axel Wernhoff emphasised the nation's ambitions for polar science diplomacy and the nation's strong research profile.
Keynote speaker Professor Antonio Quesada of the Spanish Polar Committee offered a comprehensive perspective on how polar environmental challenges—from melting ice sheets to changing ecosystems—impact communities beyond the poles.
Two dynamic panel discussions, at the core of the afternoon program, examined how European polar research can enhance its global impact through coordination, inclusion, and strategic foresight.
Scientific cooperation can in itself hold the seed to also political dialogue
The first panel, "Towards a Unified Yet Diverse European Polar Voice," focused on transforming Europe’s rich yet fragmented polar expertise into a cohesive presence on the international stage. Moderated by LTU’s Dag Avango, the panel brought together representatives from national science ministries, Sámi leadership, youth networks such as APECS, and the Arctic Centre’s Director, Keith Larson. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration across regions and generations to shape a shared European vision for the future of polar research. Among the panellists were Sweden’s Arctic Ambassador Axel Wernhoff, who earlier in the program had emphasised the diplomatic importance of scientific cooperation, stating:
“Scientific cooperation can in itself hold the seed to also political dialogue when the circumstances allow that, and when the stars align. And sooner or later, it will. Maybe not this year, maybe not next year. Or maybe next week. We don’t know. But we need to keep some ground elements going while we wait for that moment.”
Parts of panel 1: Maria Grigoratou, European Polar Board, Freja Fagerholm, APECS Sweden, and Anil Mishra, UNESCO.
Image Monica BörlinThe second panel, “Aligning European Polar Science with Global Initiatives,” addressed how European actors can contribute meaningfully to the upcoming International Polar Year (IPY) 2032–33 and the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences. Participants included global science leaders from the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), UNESCO, and the European Polar Board, as well as local voices such as Dr. Lena-Maria Nilsson from the Arctic Centre’s Sámi health research group. The conversation emphasised the urgency of integrating science with broader societal frameworks.
We would like 2032-33 to be a peak of activity, a kind of a real burst, a concentration of activity, of research, knowledge, and understanding, both in the Arctic and the Antarctic
As Chair of IASC and a leading member of the IPY Executive Committee, Henry Burgess offered a glimpse into the vision and planning that now drive this global scientific mobilisation:
“We would like 2032-33 to be a peak of activity, a kind of a real burst, a concentration of activity, of research, knowledge, and understanding, both in the Arctic and the Antarctic. But we don't have to wait until that point. We're conscious that there is a lot that can start now or very soon and lead up to the IPY. And there are things that can start in the IPY years and then continue beyond that as well.”
Burgess remarks captured the spirit of long-term commitment that now defines Europe’s role in upcoming polar science efforts.
With the climate crisis accelerating, polar research is no longer limited to remote ice sheets. Its insights are crucial for shaping resilient societies, equitable policies, and sustainable development. By hosting this high-level gathering, Umeå University demonstrates its position as Sweden’s Arctic University and deepens its involvement with international research and policy arenas.
The event exemplifies how academic institutions can facilitate dialogue, connecting local realities and global frameworks, scientific excellence and societal relevance.
Organisers hope this gathering will catalyse greater collaboration among European actors in the lead-up to 2032, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, interdisciplinary, and transnational approaches to polar research.
The event concluded with a reception to continue building the relationships and networks crucial to advancing the polar research and policy agenda.
All quotes were delivered during the opening plenary session in Umeå, 7 May 2025.