Summary
An opportunity for UK-based early to mid-career researchers, interested in establishing closer collaboration with the Arctic Council Working Groups or working with Arctic partners – Norway in particular - to leverage emerging technologies for innovative Arctic applications to apply for travel support to attend the Arctic Frontiers Conference, 1 – 4 February 2027, Tromso, Norway. This call supports the development of the next generation of UK Arctic researchers and aims to strengthen leadership and engagement ahead of major international science coordination efforts. Including through the implementation of the International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV) Reports and planning and delivery of the Fifth International Polar Year 2032-33 (IPY).
Background
The Arctic is undergoing rapid environmental, social, and economic change, making it a region of global importance for climate, ecosystems, and communities. Addressing these challenges requires strong international collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and sustained engagement across science, policy, and society. The United Kingdom has a long-standing and internationally recognised contribution to Arctic research and maintains Observer status on the Arctic Council. UK-based researchers play an important role in advancing understanding of Arctic systems and supporting international cooperation through partnerships, collaborative projects, and contributions to global research efforts. Recognising the value of this engagement, the UK Government has committed funding to continue supporting impactful UK Arctic science engagement. This includes enabling UK researchers to actively participate in key international fora where scientific priorities are shaped, partnerships are formed, and evidence is shared with policy and decision-makers. As the Arctic research community looks ahead to major international coordination initiatives, including ICARP IV and the forthcoming IPY, there is a growing need to support researchers to engage internationally, build networks, and contribute to shaping future research agendas. This call forms part of that wider effort, supporting attendance at major international meetings such as the Arctic Circle Assemblies and the Arctic Frontiers as important opportunities to strengthen UK engagement and help build momentum towards these global initiatives. Participation in Arctic Frontiers 2027 offers an excellent platform for early and mid-career researchers to:
- Contribute to emerging research agendas
- Build international networks and partnerships – in particular with Norwegian partners
- Position themselves within global Arctic science coordination processes
- Begin developing collaborations and ideas that will feed into IPY and the delivery of ICARP priorities
It is anticipated that the joint UK and Norway call for the Ice-free Arctic Ocean programme https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/future-research-and-innovation-funding-opportunities/ (December)) will be open by this point. There is expected to be a joint UK-Norway side session on this call during the conference. This session – together with others and the conference as a whole – will be a valuable opportunity to build connections with Norwegian research partners and others.
About the Arctic Frontiers
The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Information/Disinformation’. Always an important conference, the event has varied and interesting science, business and politics elements and is an excellent place for making research connections. Registration is now open. Participation will provide valuable training and development opportunities for the next generation of UK-based Arctic researchers, while also encouraging new international collaborations.
Travel support details
Travel support is available to UK-based Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and Mid-Career Researchers (MCRs) from a broad range of disciplines relevant to Arctic research. We particularly encourage applications from:
- Early career researchers
- Researchers from groups currently under-represented in the UK Arctic research community
- Individuals seeking to build new international collaborations
Definitions:
- Early Career Researchers: from start of PhD to within eight years of PhD award (or equivalent professional training)
- Mid-Career Researchers: no more than fifteen years of academic or research-related employment following postgraduate training
Applicants may request up to £2000. Eligible costs:
- Return travel from the UK to Tromso (economy class only)
- Local transportation (airport to accommodation)
- Conference registration (including any meals that can be included within registration)
- Accommodation (up to four nights)
Non-eligible costs:
- Subsistence (any meals not included in registration)
- Travel or medical insurance
- Salary costs
The funds provided through this scheme are to support travel to the Arctic Frontiers Conference in Tromso only. Individuals will be responsible for booking their own registration, travel and accommodation to the meeting and in most cases will need to submit an expense claim (details to be provided to successful applicants) to the NERC Arctic Office, with receipts to claim back costs after the event.
Expected Outcomes
Through this scheme, we aim to:
- Strengthen UK visibility and engagement in international Arctic research
- Support researchers interested in establishing closer collaboration with the Arctic Council Working Groups
- Support researchers interested in establishing closer collaboration with Arctic partners – in particular in Norway - to leverage emerging technologies for innovative Arctic applications
- Support professional development of emerging researchers
- Foster UK contributions to international Arctic science coordination
- Build momentum toward planning and participation in IPY and delivery of ICARP processes
Reporting Requirements
Successful applicants will be required to provide:
- A short-written summary outlining their experience at Arctic Frontiers
- Details of engagement and any outcomes, including new or potential collaborations
Application and assessment process
Applications must not exceed two pages A4 (12-point text). They must be submitted electronically to the NERC Arctic Office arctic@bas.ac.uk by 1600 UK time on Friday 20 November 2026, in PDF format. Applications must include the following information:
- Full name
- Contact details (including postal address, email address and telephone number)
- Job role/employment status
- Career stage (early career/mid-career)
- Reason for applying and a description of the expected outcomes/impact of attending Arctic Frontiers including any presenting, speaking, note-taking or other official roles within the conference.
- Please note any existing connections to any of the 2024-2025 bursary projects or 2025-2026 bursaries or any other planned or ongoing collaboration with working groups under the Arctic Council where applicable and provide brief details.
- Amount applied for, with a full breakdown of expected costs for flights, accommodation and registration fees.
- A brief statement of endorsement/support from your supervisor/line manager or institution should be provided with the application.
The review of applications will be undertaken by a small joint NERC Arctic Office and Science and Technology Network Review Team. Priority will be given to those with active roles within the conference.
Timescales
Applications must be submitted by 1600 (UK time) on Friday 20 November 2026. Confirmation of receipt will be via e-mail. You must contact the NERC Arctic Office – arctic@bas.ac.uk – if you do not receive confirmation of receipt. All applicants should receive written confirmation of the outcome of their application by 27 November 2026. Please note that no further feedback will be provided. Please contact us if you have any questions: Henry Burgess or Nicola Munro NERC Arctic Office – arctic@bas.ac.uk |
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