What are UArctic Thematic Networks?
The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a cooperative network of universities, colleges and research institutes concerned with education and research in and about the North. At the heart of its work are the Thematic Networks, member-led groups that bring researchers, educators and practitioners together around shared areas of interest, from law and health to art, energy and island studies.
Scotland’s involvement
From climate and marine science to northern culture and island life, Scotland’s researchers are deeply engaged in the work of the Arctic. Across our members we currently have:
- Over 60 researchers and practitioners active in the networks
- Ten universities taking part: the Universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands and Islands, St Andrews, Stirling and Strathclyde, together with Robert Gordon University and Glasgow School of Art
- Participation in 20 Thematic Networks, spanning the arts and humanities, health and education, environment and energy, and the northern economy
- Five leadership roles, with Scottish colleagues leading or co-leading five networks
The University of the Highlands and Islands and the University of Aberdeen are our largest contributors, but involvement stretches right across the Scottish sector.
Where Scotland leads
Scottish academics currently lead or co-lead the following Thematic Networks:
| Thematic Network | Role | Lead |
| Circumpolar Archives, Folklore and Ethnography (CAFE) | Lead | David Anderson, University of Aberdeen |
| COIL & Biodiversity Education across the Arctic Circle (COIL@UArctic) | Lead | Izzy Crawford, Robert Gordon University |
| Climate Justice in the Arctic | Lead | Neil Crawford, University of Stirling |
| Northern and Arctic Island Studies Research | Lead | Andrew Jennings, University of the Highlands and Islands |
| Northern Nursing Education | Vice-Lead | Leah Macaden, University of Edinburgh |
| Northern and Arctic Land Transport | Lead | David Gray, Robert Gordon University |
The networks Scotland is part of:
Arts, culture and heritage
- Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design (ASAD)
- Circumpolar Archives, Folklore and Ethnography (CAFE) (Scottish-led)
- Environmental Humanities
- Northern and Arctic Island Studies Research (Scottish-led)
- UArctic World Ensemble
Law, governance and society
- Arctic Law
- Climate Justice in the Arctic (Scottish-led)
- Local-scale Planning for Climate Resilience
- Working in the Arctic
Health, education and wellbeing
- Northern Nursing Education (Scottish co-led)
- Health and Well-being in the Arctic
- Teacher Education for Social Justice and Diversity in Education
- COIL@UArctic (Scottish-led)
Environment, energy and science
- Arctic Geology
- Terrestrial Biodiversity Monitoring
- Renewable Energy
- Arctic Sustainable Resources and Social Responsibility
Economy, enterprise and tourism
- Circular Economy
- Managing Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in the North
- Northern Tourism
- Northern and Arctic Land Transport (Scottish-led)
How to get involved
- Explore the networks. Browse the full list on the UArctic Website to find those that match your interests.
- Check your institution’s membership. Most Scottish universities are already engaged, membership opens the door to participation.
- Get in touch with a network. Whether you’d like to join an existing network or propose a new one, we can help connect you with the right people.
- Talk to the Scottish Arctic Network. We’re happy to point you in the right direction and link you with others working in your field.
Contact:
If you’d like to find out more please contact your institution’s Steering Group representative.