In addition to discussing the status of UArctic activities, reporting on work plans and budgets for 2016 and receiving an update on external relations, the UArctic Board will decide on the nomination of two new Vice-Presidents for the network: Vice-President Indigenous, and Vice-President Finance, Development and Engagement. The Board will also meet with the University of Lapland Rector Mauri Ylä-Kotola as well as invited guests from Finland and abroad, including Tara Sweeney and Rauno Posio (Arctic Economic Council) and Justin Kim (Korea Maritime Institute). In addition, UArctic President Lars Kullerud will present the network’s activities to the Finnish Arctic Committee which convenes in Rovaniemi on November 24 and will also give a report to the UArctic Board.

UArctic is one of the most important international strategic partners of the University of Lapland. The university for instance leads seven UArctic Thematic Networks which collaborate through joint research and education. Since 2001, the university has also been hosting the UArctic International Secretariat, the main coordination and contact point for the network and also the organizer of the Board meeting. Raimo Väyrynen, Chair of the Board of the University of Lapland, is also a member of UArctic’s Finance Policy Committee.

After the Board concludes their meeting, UArctic will use the opportunity to bring together its personnel from different offices across the Arctic to a UArctic staff meeting in Pyhätunturi. Gathering participants from as far as Alaska and Yakutia, this meeting will allow them to get to know each other, share best practices, plan for future activities, and develop collaboration and communication between different UArctic offices and across national borders.


University of the Arctic

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a cooperative network of universities, colleges, research institutes and other organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North. UArctic builds and strengthens collective resources and collaborative infrastructure that enables member institutions to better serve their constituents and their regions. Through cooperation in education, research and outreach we enhance human capacity in the North, promote viable communities and sustainable economies, and forge global partnerships.

UArctic's Board is the highest governing body of the network and has general responsibility for UArctic’s strategic development and setting main priorities, including finances and staffing. The Board is made up of elected individuals all of whom serve in their personal capacities on behalf of UArctic. A student representative is also included as a member of the Board.

The next UArctic Board meeting will be held in Fairbanks, Alaska in March 2016. The meeting will take place in conjunction with the 2016 Arctic Science Summit Week, and a meeting of the Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic Council.


For more information:

UArctic International Secretariat
University of Lapland
Tel. +358 40 5010209
secretariat (at) uarctic.org
www.uarctic.org