- The UArtic is now a complete network, thanks to IPY

Lars is restlessly travelling the region from his office in Arendal, Norway; as an eager ambassador for both the IPY and the cooperative network of universities, colleges, and other organizations that he is presiding over. Both he and the UArtic are committed to higher education and research in the North.

- The University of the Arctic (UArctic) plays a key role in education and outreach during the International Polar Year (IPY). Endorsed by the IPY Joint Committee after review, the UArctic is the official provider and coordinator of IPY higher education and outreach activities, says Kullerud.

UArctic members share resources, facilities, and expertise to build post-secondary education programs that are relevant and accessible to northern students. Theoverall goal is to create a strong, sustainable circumpolar region by empowering northerners and northern communities through education and shared knowledge.

- The Studies catalogue includes more than a thousand study possibilities for students from outside the Arctic region, tells the UArctic President. - We promote education that is circumpolar, interdisciplinary, and diverse in nature, and draw on our combined strengths to address the unique challenges of the region. We recognizes the integral role of indigenous peoples in northern education, and seeks to engage their perspectives in all of our activities.

Foto: UArctic
The UArctic map shows the impressive network of northern higher education institutions.

Statistics are impressive. Kullerud counts 48.000 scientific personnel, 700.000 students, and more than 100 member institutions spread out all around the North Pole. There is a similar, but smaller, initiative in the Antarctic region, International Antarctic Institute (IA), sharing the some of the same ambition.

- We reached an exciting new milestone in UAcrtic history in Rovaniemi in February - the adoption of the University of the Arctic Charter by the UArctic Rectors' Forum. The charter spells out our common values, and broadens and defines more clearly the areas of cooperation between member institutions, says Lars Kullerud, looking into a brighter future for circumpolar capacity and competence building.

Read more on the UArctic homepage