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Arctic Frontiers 2026: Turn of the Tide

In the Arctic, as across the globe, tides are shifting. Geopolitical landscapes are evolving, climate systems are accelerating, and economic structures are being reshaped. From rising temperatures and economic recalibration to cultural resurgence, the Arctic is both a witness to and a driver of transformation.  

This year’s theme underscores the ebb and flow of the world, and the time for change. In this moment of opportunity, we invite participants to reflect on the rhythms of global change and their implications for the pan-Arctic region.   

In 2026 we will bring together leading voices to examine the state of Arctic collaboration, economic transitions, infrastructure needs, technological frontiers, and the health of the ocean that unites the region. And as the world’s tide turns, we will explore how the Arctic can influence, adapt to, and help shape the global future. 

 

See you from February 2nd to 5th, 2026 in Tromsø, Norway.

More information about the 2026 Arctic Frontiers conference at Clarion The Edge Hotel in Tromsø will be published soon. Stay tuned!

Registration will open in October

2026 Conference Program will be launched in November

Please note that all times in the program automatically adjust to your local time zone

Big Picture

SESSIONS

Arctic Frontiers 2026 will feature 5 Big Picture (plenary) sessions. These bring together politicians, researchers, Indigenous communities, NGOs, and business representatives for frank discussions about the most pressing topics in the Arctic.

Mohn Prize

The 2026 Mohn Prize will be presented during the Big Picture of Arctic Frontiers: Turn of the Tide. The prize recognizes outstanding contribution to research in the Arctic.

Science

SESSIONS

Arctic Frontiers 2026 will feature 7 different science and research themes. These are designed to be interdisciplinary and welcome submissions from natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, law, management, and more. All researchers are welcome to submit an abstract to the session that best suits their work.

The themes for 2026 are:

  • Monitoring, Modeling, and Mitigating the Consequences of Arctic Permafrost Change

  • Maritime Extremes: Communication, Uncertainty and Emerging Technologies

  • High Tide for Arctic Preparedness

  • Governance and Policy for Sustainable Space Activities

  • Ocean Observational Pyramid: From Seabed to Space Monitoring

  • Maintaining and Developing Arctic Observing Capabilities

  • Arctic Transformation: Climate Change and Cumulative Effects on Ecosystems

Please consult the session descriptions and chairing committees for the sessions to assess which one is right for you. Applications open on August 4th, 2025.

Emerging Leaders

2026 Program

During a week-long program, young Arctic professionals (i.e. not at student) will discover Northern Norway and exchange ideas on the future of the Arctic. Along the journey, they are joined by experienced mentors and meet a variety of local stakeholders. Through meetings, lectures, and workshops, these young leaders develop personal and professional relationships and learn through dialogue and understanding about the diversity of the Arctic.

The 2026 Emerging Leaders will centre on the theme: Arctic Adaptation. The program will run from January 29th to February 5th, 2026 beginning in Bodø and ending in Tromsø where the group joins the Arctic Frontiers conference.

Learn more about the 2026 program and apply!

Applications open August 26th!

Deadline to apply is October 4th, 2025.

Alumni

We are delighted to re-engage with past Emerging Leaders participants and continue to support you. Here are a few ideas for how to do so.

  • Are you an Emerging Leaders Alumn and wish to be a mentor for Emerging Leaders? Send an email to Julia Morales-Aguirre: jma@arcticfrontiers.com
  • Are you an Emerging Leaders Alumn and wish to be a mentor for Student Forum? Send an email to Julia Morales-Aguirre: jma@arcticfrontiers.com
  • Do you have an idea for an Emerging Leaders Alumni session at the Arctic Frontiers conference? Send an email to Julia Morales-Aguirre: jma@arcticfrontiers.com

Young

Student Forum

The 2026 Student Forum is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students from Canada, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Throughout the week-long program students receive mentoring as they develop an interdisciplinary Arctic project alongside the Arctic Frontiers conference.

The program will run from February 1st to February 7th, 2026 in Tromsø.

Read more about the Student Forum and apply! Applications opened up on the 10th of September, and was shared across all our digital channels.

Deadline to apply is October 8th, 2025.

Science for Schools & Science for Kids

Our Science for Schools and Science for Kids program run locally through the fall in collaboration with the Northern Norwegian Science Centre. During the programs local children and high school students in Tromsø develop group research projects in their schools. These are presented as posters at the Arctic Frontiers Poster Session. Make sure to check them out and talk to the high school students presenting their work and findings. 

The Poster Session will take place in the evening of February 2nd, 2026.

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