ScAn was well represented at this year’s Arctic Circle Assembly. Prof David Anderson, Dr Lauren McWhinnie, Craig Smith, and ScAN’s Chair, Dr Daria Shapovalova, all attended the event and participated in various sessions throughout the week.
We brought brochures showcasing Arctic research at Scottish institutions detailing various research projects, including those funded under the Arctic Connections fund. The digital version of the brochure can be found here – ScAN brochure for ACA 2024
On the first day of the conference, the ScAN Chair met with the UArctic group of regional centre leads to discuss the strategic development of UArctic regional centres, as well as the opportunities presented through programmes like north2north exchanges for staff and students.
In substantive sessions, Daria Shapovalova presented her research on just transition and energy transformation in the Arctic at the Nordic Energy Research session. Lauren McWhinnie contributed to the session on scientific contributions of state observers to the Arctic Council Working Groups, organised by the UK Science and Innovation, NERC, British Antarctic Survey, and the Arctic Council.
We have made new connections with researchers and practitioners across the Arctic but also connected with the delegation from Orkney Islands who showcased their commitment to further Arctic collaborations. We have also engaged with Scotland’s parliamentarians, Monica Lennon MSP and Ben Macpherson MSP, who represented the Parliament at the Assembly.
Overall, the ScAN team had a very productive time at the Assembly and we look forward to engaging with more Arctic events in the future.
