ScAN held its first in person meeting on 16 March, bringing the network members together in Aberdeen for the signature of the signing of an MoU between ScAN and University of the Arctic (UArctic). This landmark document that will strengthen long term Scotland-Arctic mutual collaboration, with the establishment of a UArctic) Regional Centre operated by the ScAN.
The agreement was signed by UArctic president Lars Kullerud and ScAN’s outgoing chair, Professor Finlo Cottier of the University of the Highlands and Islands. A first for the UK, the Centre will provide support for academic collaboration throughout Scotland, with a focus on the Arctic and the North. It will also encourage engagement in UArctic activities and communities.
The meeting hosted a discussion on the future developments in ScAn and priorities for the network’s development. The meeting also welcomed the newly elected ScAN Chair, Dr Daria Shapovalova from the University of Aberdeen. Daria is senior lecturer in energy law and has published extensively on Arctic governance, regulation of petroleum production and climate change law.
The meeting was held in anticipation of the Arctic Frontiers Abroad conference which took place also in in Aberdeen on 17 March, featuring representatives from Arctic States, the Scottish Government, academia, industry and third sector organisations. ScAN members, Dr Daria Shapovalova and Dr Lauren McWhinnie were among the panellists for this event.
