Umeå University and the Arctic

 

ImageUmeå University

Northern Sweden, Sápmi and the Arctic region are undergoing massive changes regarding culture, climate, health and living conditions.

The geographical position of Umeå University provides us with unique opportunities to contribute with new knowledge of global importance. 

A multidisciplinary take on Arctic Research 

At Umeå University, prominent Arctic research is conducted within all our scientific fields: medicine, the arts and humanities, social sciences, and science and technology. 

Important research questions covered include:

• Projected effects of natural resources becoming more accessible as a consequence of melting ice mass
• Changes in the spreading of disease
• Altered social, economic and cultural conditions for populations and Indigenous peoples.

Arctic Research Centre (Arcum)

 

ImageAndreas Nilsson

The Arctic Research Centre at Umeå University (Arcum) was founded in 2012. The centre provides structure, coordination and strategic direction to Umeå University's wide and diverse network of researchers in the Arctic field. So far, more than 300 researchers are affiliated with Arcum, as the center offers excellent collaboration opportunities. 

Vaartoe - Centre for Sami Research

The Sami flag and the Swedish flag at the Umeå University main campus.

ImageUlrika Bergfors

Umeå University is housing Sweden's only centre for Sami research: Vaartoe. Founded in 2000, the centre works to initiate and coordinate research in Sápmi, on Sami culture, society, history and language.

Vaartoe is working in close relationship with Sami institution and organizations to further research based knowledge on Sami issues. 

Climate Impact Research Centre (CIRC)

Abisko Scientific Research Station.

ImageLars Lehnert

Umeå University's Climate Impact Research Centre (CIRC) is permanently based at the Abisko Scientific Research Station, 250 km inside the Arctic Circle near the northern tip of Sweden.

The research is focusing on the effects of climate and environmental changes in Arctic and alpine ecosystems. 

Arctic education

Mio Isenrot is a student at the Nature Guide Programme in Kiruna.

ImageMio Isenrot

Umeå University are giving several courses at undergraduate and Master's level in Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost city, and in Abisko.

On several programmes, students can chose to deepen their Arctic perspectives though elective courses. 

Umeå University is a long-time member of the North2North student exchange programme, together with universities in Sweden, Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Canada, the United States, Finland, Norway, Iceland and Russia.

A selection of Arctic courses

Arctic Science A (4,5 Credits, Bachelor's level)

Arctic Ecosystems (15 Credits, Master's level)

Collaborative Environmental Governance in the Arctic (15 credits, Mater's level)

The Imagined Arctic (7,5 Credits, Master's level, web-based)
 

Cooperation with other Arctic universities

Peter Sköld, professor at Umeå University and chair of the board for the University of the Arctic.

ImagePer Axelsson

As one of the largest universities globally in the Arctic region, Umeå University plays an active role in cooperative network The University of The Arctic. 

 

ImageArctic 5

The Arctic Five is a partnership between five Arctic universities in Sweden, Finland and Norway. By joining forces, the five partner universities aim to lead the way in Arctic issues. A strategic objective for the Artic Five alliance is to apply for and achieve the status of European University.