The University, through its Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and the Faculty of Arts, is launching the Arctic Research Hub, a three-year pilot project and strategic milestone that will connect, amplify and strengthen current Arctic research while fostering groundbreaking new initiatives.
The University has already built strong partnerships with key national initiatives such as ArcticNet, demonstrated leadership in Arctic Pulse and reinforced our commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination in research. With a growing community of professors, staff and students dedicated to Arctic research, our university is now expanding its expertise and influence in this vital area.
A bold new era for Arctic research
Traditionally, Canada’s Arctic science ecosystem has been strong in areas such as oceanography, biology and ecology. However, the major implications of Arctic environmental change — including climate-driven shifts, geopolitical tensions, resource development and maritime trade — require a broader, interdisciplinary, solutions-based approach.
The University’s new hub will expand Arctic research beyond scientific disciplines to include social, economic and policy dimensions, ensuring that pressing challenges are addressed from all angles. Crucially, this includes the profound and disproportionate impact on Inuit communities, whose knowledge, resilience and leadership are essential in shaping sustainable solutions for the region.
“Situated in the heart of Canada’s capital and deeply connected to global research networks, uOttawa is uniquely positioned to consolidate and expand Arctic research, training and policy engagement,” says Professor Jackie Dawson, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Human and Policy Dimensions of Environmental Change, and lead on this initiative. “Through the Arctic Research Hub, we will play a pivotal role in enhancing Canada’s global reputation as an Arctic nation with a world-leading science ecosystem.”
The research hub’s mission is to bridge disciplines and leverage knowledge to understand and adapt to the cascading effects of Arctic change. Its objectives include:
- Advancing interdisciplinary research that tackles climate change, socio-economic development, innovation and governance in the Arctic
- Fostering collaboration among universities, Indigenous communities and organizations, government agencies and research organizations at a national and international scale
- Empowering students by creating capacity-building opportunities in Arctic research, leadership and governance
- Supporting Indigenous rights in research and data sovereignty by upholding key policies, frameworks and partnerships
- Assisting decision-makers and innovators with cutting-edge scientific insights and solution-driven knowledge development and mobilization
The Arctic Research Hub will be hosted by uOttawa’s Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics at the Faculty of Arts, serving as the headquarters for cutting-edge research and collaboration.
As global interest in the Arctic intensifies, uOttawa will be a leader and innovator in Arctic research. With this bold new initiative, we are strengthening Canada’s role on the world stage, driving meaningful, solutions-oriented research, and ensuring that Arctic science benefits all — especially the communities that call the Arctic home.
