NEWS In December 2024, the Arctic Centre moved to new offices in the Universum house at the centre of campus. The aim was to move away from the periphery to be able to work towards the goal of being a natural connectivity hub for students and researchers.
Arctic Centre has, since the establishment 2012, been sitting in the Northern Behavioural Sciences House in the northern corner of campus. During 2024, the Centre initiated an investigation whether it would be possible to move to offices closer to the centre of campus. After some time, a conversation with Akademiska hus and their common space A Working Lab (AWL), led to a collaboration and agreement to rent an office space there. The centre moved in December 2024.
Anyone with an interest in Arctic or northern region research on campus or their guests can use our unique environment
A mural of Svalbard under construction.
Image Monica Börlin
In April 2025, the new office space was renovated with repainted walls, new floors and new furniture. Arctic Centre has also had six visiting art students who have helped design the space with Arctic and Antarctic inspired art works. Among them, the corridor will be painted with Arctic features, a project that will be executed by artist Hélène Bezin. Some of the offices also have murals on the walls that represent maps of various places in the Arctic and Antarctic. For example, one of the offices has an initiated mural of Svalbard, designed by Hélène Bocquet.
“The Arctic and Antarctic-themed art makes our place feel unique and inviting. We hope that the art gives our environment on campus a special feeling that encourages people to visit, explore what we do, and potentially collaborate,” says Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre.
Arctic Centre works actively with creating a thriving hub for Arctic students and researchers at Umeå University, and for visiting guests. You are therefore encouraged to come and visit! There are four desks available for guests where you can sit in a calm environment and be inspired in your work. Sit with the Arctic Centre and work on your latest applications, write on your paper, or why not discuss your latest research or ideas over a coffee?
“Anyone with an interest in Arctic or northern region research on campus or their guests can use our unique environment. Whether it's a desk or meeting room for a day or a long-term visit by an Arctic scholar, we want to welcome everyone. Importantly, this includes the chance for stakeholders or partners to come and work, meet, and collaborate,” says Keith Larson.
The aim of the new office space is to create a common place for students and researchers that encourages transdisciplinary exchanges and the opportunity to learn from each other. Come and visit, and be a part of the environment where science and community stand in the Arctic centre!