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Tentative
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2026 Big Picture Sessions
Geopolitics, a growing space industry, defense investments into infrastructure, shifting economies, and fragile coastlines; all these require international and interdisciplinary approaches for a resilient and sustainable Arctic.
Discover the themes and topics of our panel sessions for Arctic Frontiers 2026.
Science
PROGRAM
Permafrost in the Arctic region is undergoing accelerating change under climate warming, with emerging impacts on methane emissions, Arctic ecosystems, infrastructure, and Indigenous communities. Understanding these processes is crucial for risk assessment and mitigation strategies. By sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, this session seeks to advance understanding of permafrost dynamics and support sustainable development pathways in the Arctic.
Maritime hazards are rapidly evolving in the Arctic, creating complex, cross-cutting challenges for operations, infrastructure, safety, and policy. This session will address the need to balance research, operations, and policy in a dynamic Arctic, meanwhile considering the rising role of transformative changes in research and society.
The Arctic faces a tidal wave of new challenges originating from accelerated climate change, the increased economic and commercial interest with increasing human presence, as well as the new geopolitical situation with increased international competition and reduced cooperation. Total preparedness and increased resilience in the Arctic must mobilize all parts of social economy, building knowledge across authorities, industry and the civil society, including peoples’ values and trust in societal functions, democracy and institutions.
Space operations involve both commercial and public initiatives, with Arctic nations playing a prominent role. However, deteriorating geopolitical conditions are making international collaboration increasingly difficult, while the space arena remains dominated by a handful of actors. But who decides who gets access to outer space? And who bears responsibility for accidents or other problems?
New sensor-carrying platforms, sensor technologies, and artificial intelligence algorithms are reshaping how we collaborate and compete in the Arctic. Dual use of technology is now being explored, whereby sensors and data can be used for both science and security purposes. The proposed session will explore how multiscale multisensory collaborative observations are poised to revolutionize how we interact with and how we safeguard the Arctic.
Sustained observing is the basis for monitoring, forecasting, research and knowledge development. A comprehensive Arctic Observing System is challenging to develop and operate due to vast areas covered by ocean, ice and tundra. A large part of the observing is conducted by the research community but how do we ensure involvement of Indigenous communities, businesses and international stakeholders?
Rising temperatures and sea ice loss are driving shifts in species distributions and community structures, leading to large-scale ecosystem reorganization. These changes are compounded by cumulative pressures – from climate impacts to anthropogenic stressors – that threaten Arctic biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
HIGHLIGHTS
THE LATEST NEWS FROM ARCTIC FRONTIERS
How do we Reduce Increased Noise Pollution in the Ocean?
In collaboration with the Norwegian Centre for Law of the Sea, we explored questions related to how marine noise pollution affects ocean ecosystems, and how to prevent further damage.
Bridging Regional Potential with National Needs
On March 20, Arctic Frontiers brought together key voices from across Northern Norway for a full-day conference in Narvik, exploring the intersection between regional development and the evolving needs of the defense sector.
