Arctic 3

RCN

Approved for Scoping: 2025
Lead BF Member: RCN
Estimated launch timeframe: 2027
Brief Summary:
Climate change is most profound in the Arctic. Changes in sea-ice extent, sea currents, water temperature, the permafrost, and marine and terrestrial ecosystems will have major implications for global, local and regional communities. Due to the very rapid Arctic changes and their implications for the global climate and weather patterns through complex interconnected processes, it is necessary to initiate Arctic research which can help close the knowledge gaps. This CRA aims at closing some of the knowledge gaps identified during the 2022-2026 process on the 4th International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV). Acknowledging the key role and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples about the changes in the Arctic, the CRA development will involve their active participation along with local peoples and scientists in a transdisciplinary approach. The CRA will contribute to the 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5) in 2032-2033 in terms of key factors for ecosystem changes, co-production of knowledge from indigenous peoples and local people and different research disciplines, including informed governance. The overall focus of the CRA is the local, regional and global socio-economic implications and consequences of Arctic change, and more specifically, it will explore: Arctic to mid-latitude weather extremes, changes in terrestrial and marine ecosystems (e.g. permafrost, geohazards, wildfires, land-use changes and erosion), Arctic regional governance in the light of global governance and security, environmental and cultural implications of Arctic economic development, national and international law, politics and stewardship related to Arctic change.
Please fill out the Arctic 3 Interest Form here if you wish to receive more information about this call.
Disclosure: This description reflects the preliminary scope of the proposed Arctic 3 CRA currently under development. The thematic focus and final call text will be co-designed through global scoping activities with academic and societal partners, including Indigenous Peoples and knowledge holders, research institutions, policymakers, and funding organizations.  The final call may differ from the original proposed thematics in line with this consultation process.
 

Arctic 3 Upcoming Activities

  • Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress, Africa Regional Conference – Cape Town, South Africa (22-26 June 2026)
  • Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development – Paris, France (15-17 July 2026)
  • SCAR Open Science Conference, Oslo, Norway (8-19 August 2026)
  • Arctic Circle Assembly, Reykjavik, Iceland (8-10 October 2026)
Past Activities
  • Standing Committee on Indigenous Involvement (SCII) of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), Aarhus, Denmark (25 March 2026)
  • Arctic Science Funders Forum, Aarhus, Denmark (26 March 2026)
  • Danish Kingdom’s Arctic Workshop: Strengthening Arctic Research Collaboration in the Danish Kingdom, Aarhus, Denmark (26 March 2026)
  • *Co-Design Dialogue: Aligning Science, Policy and Funding Priorities for the Arctic 3 CRA (Online, 27 May 2026) *Two sessions were held to accommodate global participation across time zones: one for the Asia-Pacific region and one for participants from the Americas, Europe, and Africa. UArctic Congress, Faroe Islands (27-29 May 2026)