The Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV) process engaged broad communities, including Arctic researchers, Indigenous Peoples, policy-makers, residents and other stakeholders from all countries involved in Arctic research. Participants were tasked with identifying the most urgent knowledge gaps and research priorities for the next decade, and to recommend approaches to address these needs. Arctic Initiative Director Jennifer Spence co-chaired the Research Priority Team 4 on Arctic Research Cooperation and Diplomacy.
Executive Summary
The Research Priority Team on Arctic Research Cooperation and Diplomacy (RPT 4) was established under the Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV) to examine how Arctic research cooperation and science diplomacy are evolving in a context of accelerating environmental change, geopolitical tension, and institutional disruption. While Arctic research remains central to global climate knowledge, regional governance, and international cooperation, the systems that support it are under increasing pressure from political instability, technological transformation, and uneven access to resources.
The scope of RPT 4 includes identifying key research needs and priorities related to effective international cooperation, such as joint funding strategies, connecting national and international funding agencies, effective international guidelines and legislation, ethical sharing of research infrastructure and data, as well as ensuring the value and contribution of Arctic research during times of geopolitical tension. It also focuses on pathways for understanding and, where possible, strengthening research cooperation, including research exchange programs and collaborative observing efforts amidst geopolitical constraints. The team considered how existing cooperation models are being tested and how they must be reimagined to operate effectively in a new, multipolar, and increasingly competitive global environment.
Research Needs
RPT 4 identified the following research needs:
- Understand and enhance the resilience of Arctic research collaboration to political change, technological innovations, instability and shocks.
- Recognize and implement knowledge co-production, Indigenous-led research, and prioritize capacity and inclusion of Arctic Indigenous Peoples and Arctic communities in research cooperation and diplomacy.
- Examine Arctic research decision-making processes within and among states and strengthen research coordination mechanisms that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Leverage multilateral fora/bodies to support international Arctic research.
- Strengthen and increase dialogue between researchers and decision-makers on critical Arctic issues.
Research Priorities
Based on these needs, RPT 4 identified the following priorities for Arctic research over the next decade (2025–2035):
- Understand the characteristics of Arctic research cooperation and science diplomacy in a transforming world.
- Enhance the resilience of systems of Arctic research cooperation.
- Examine the effectiveness of Arctic science diplomacy.
- Assess the impact of emerging technologies and innovations on Arctic research cooperation and science diplomacy.
- Develop and implement principles of accessibility, inclusivity, and welcoming in Arctic research cooperation and diplomacy.
In addition to these RPT 4–specific needs and priorities, the report identifies a set of cross-cutting ICARP IV research needs and priorities that underpin effective Arctic research cooperation across all domains. These include strengthening Indigenous leadership and the recognition of Indigenous Knowledge; promoting interdisciplinary, equitable, and inclusive research; enhancing data sharing and interoperability within open science frameworks while respecting Indigenous Data Sovereignty; recognising Arctic research infrastructure as critical infrastructure; and advancing cooperative and innovative funding models. Addressing these cross-cutting issues is essential for ensuring coherence, resilience, and long-term impact across ICARP IV and related initiatives.
This report sets out a research agenda and implementation-oriented recommendations to inform ICARP IV outcomes and IPY-5 planning. By strengthening resilience, ethical governance, and inclusive practice, RPT 4 aims to support more robust and adaptive systems of Arctic research cooperation and diplomacy.
Read the Full Report on the Publisher's Website
