Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative Joins UArctic Network

Cambridge, MA – On May 24, 2023, the members of the University of the Arctic (UArctic) unanimously voted in favor of accepting Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative into the network. UArctic is a cooperative network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North. 

Through education, research, and outreach, UArctic and its member institutions seek to enhance human capacity in the North, promote viable communities and sustainable economies, and forge global partnerships. UArctic also serves as an official observer to the Arctic Council, the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the Arctic.

The Arctic Initiative’s membership in UArctic will open new opportunities for research collaboration and knowledge exchange with academic institutions and other organizations from the Arctic region on critical challenges facing Arctic communities and ecosystems. By participating in UArctic's educational and capacity-building programs, the Arctic Initiative will also contribute to the development of future Arctic leaders, researchers, and policymakers. Our team’s expertise in policy analysis, international relations, and environmental sustainability will complement the diverse range of disciplines represented in the UArctic network. 

“As the Arctic Initiative has grown, we’ve been fortunate to build so many collaborations that have strengthened our research and deepened our understanding of the policy needs of Arctic communities.  We look forward to building many more such collaborations through the UArctic network and contributing to UArctic’s shared goal of strengthening the next generation of young Arctic leaders," said Arctic Initiative Associate Director Brittany Janis.

The Arctic Initiative was one of 17 new members accepted into the UArctic network this year, joining more than 200 member institutions representing all eight Arctic countries and several states outside the region.