NEWS In 2022, The Arctic Six introduced a new two-year fellowship programme for mid-to-senior career researchers to develop new collaborations in the Nordic region. Through the Chairs Programme, researchers from the alliance of six universities received support to create new networks and projects, further strengthening the Arctic research environment.
The Arctic Six is a strategically important part of Umeå University’s work to advance research and education in the Arctic.
The Arctic Six is a collaboration between six northern universities working together to strengthen research, education and cooperation across the Arctic. Through initiatives such as the Chairs Programme, the alliance has deepened academic exchange and laid the foundation for new projects and partnerships. In doing so, the collaboration has reinforced Umeå University’s position internationally and strengthened opportunities for continued joint development.
The two-year Arctic Six Chairs fellowship (2022–2024) saw fourteen research leaders organise more than sixty workshops and participate in over one hundred meetings. They collaborated to submit fifty-eight joint research proposals and together secured approximately € 35 million in external funding. Each euro invested in the programme has generated more than thirty euros in new funding – demonstrating the programme’s leverage effect.
Cathrine Norberg.
Image Mattias PetterssonCathrine Norberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, emphasises:
“The Arctic Six is a strategically important part of Umeå University’s work to advance research and education in the Arctic. The Chairs Programme demonstrates how long-term collaboration can foster academic cooperation and enhance our international presence. It helps us create the conditions for new knowledge that benefits the region and the wider Arctic community.”
The Chairs Programme has led to significant scientific achievements and established a growing framework for collaboration in Arctic health, education, tourism, Indigenous studies, and governance. In addition, several participants have developed joint courses, publications and long-term partnerships that continue to strengthen northern cooperation.
“For researchers at Umeå University, the Arctic Six Chairs has opened new paths for international collaboration and external funding. The initiative has made it possible to pursue larger and interdisciplinary projects, which in turn enhances research quality and the university’s Arctic profile,” says Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre.
The Arctic Centre has played a key role in coordinating Umeå University’s engagement within Arctic Six and in increasing the university’s visibility in the northern research landscape. By creating connections between researchers, faculties and leadership, the Centre has strengthened internal collaboration and strategic presence within the network.
The first round of Arctic Six Chairs shows that northern collaboration is not only possible – it is powerful.
The evaluation now points to the next steps – clearer support structures and more targeted communication – elements that together provide the foundation for the next phase of development.
“The first round of Arctic Six Chairs shows that northern collaboration is not only possible – it is powerful. We are now building on these experiences to develop the next phase with a stronger structure and continued focus on supporting our researchers,” says Johanne Raade, Director of The Arctic Six.
Through the work within The Arctic Six, it has become clear how international collaboration can be translated into tangible outcomes – for researchers and the university. The experiences gained through the Chairs Programme highlight the value of long-term structures, shared learning and mutual trust – factors that now shape the foundation for the continued development of the collaboration.
Hans Pettersson.
Image Mattias PetterssonHans Pettersson served as an Arctic Six Chair (2022–2024) and reflects:
“During my time as Chair of The Arctic Six, what struck me most was how quickly genuine collaboration emerges once researchers have the chance to meet regularly. Trust grows, ideas take shape, and suddenly you’re working together on a proposal none of you could have created alone. That’s the real strength of the Chairs Programme – it gives us the time and continuity to turn shared ideas into something substantial.”
With approximately 41,500 students and 4,600 employees, Umeå University is the largest Arctic university in the Nordic region and one of the most productive universities globally in Arctic research. Through The Arctic Six and initiatives such as the Chairs Programme, the university continues to deepen its role as a driving force in international collaboration and to strengthen the conditions for new knowledge about and for the Arctic.
