The Northern Research Forum at UNAK
RHA has a longstanding cooperation with the Northern Research Forum at the University of Akureyri (NRF at UNAK) which coordinates various Arctic activities in Iceland and internationally, both within and outside of the University. Based at UNAK, the NRF is a part of the University and operated from there, in line with the University’s agenda.
The NRF at UNAK strives to increase interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration in the Arctic and to improve the livelihoods of Arctic communities. The forum serves as an international platform for an effective dialogue between members of the research community and a wide range of stakeholders from civil society, politics, business, and local communities.
Main activities
Main activities of the NRF include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Overseeing and implementing the NRF Fellows Program
- Administering UNAK’s bilateral or multilateral Arctic cooperation activities, including the Nansen professorship;
- Aiding NRF Fellows in supporting the work of the Arctic Council working groups;
- Supporting the presence of UNAK participants at the Arctic Circle Assemblies;
- Convening regular consultation meetings between researchers and specialists in Arctic matters affiliated with UNAK, as well as receiving visitors, organising visits, and being UNAK’s contact in Arctic matters;
- Facilitating and promoting UNAK’s participation in the UArctic network.