The North

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The North

We aim to expand research within northern circumpolar regions, as defined by climatic, environmental, historical, geopolitical and cultural conditions whilst answering key questions from the sponsorship of four major programmes of interdisciplinary research.

Facing east and west, the geographical location of the University of Aberdeen, allows unique strengths in fields ranging from geosciences and environmental biology to archaeology, anthropology and Scandinavian studies....

Our archaeologists' recent fieldwork unearthed a rare Pictish symbol stone near Aberlemno of great Pictish significance and teamed up with the Pictish Arts Society to launch a fundraising campaign to conserve.

Other fieldwork further away in Alaska resulted in films of the Quinhagak Dance Group  performing at the opening of their new Nunalleq village cultural centre. As part of a local school Education Pack by lead artist, Alice Watterson. Narration from Larissa and Lonny Strunk of Quinhagak and Chuna McIntyre of Eek. Special thanks to Crystal Carter, the Quinhagak Dance Group and all the archaeologists A Day in the Life of an Archaeologist.

About The North Theme

Aberdeen lies at the hub of a region that extends eastwards to the Nordic and Baltic countries and to northern Russia and Siberia, and westwards to Iceland, Greenland, Canada and Alaska.

This region, known as the 'circumpolar North', is defined by latitude and the tight intersection of climatic, environmental, historical, geopolitical and cultural conditions. These come together to give it a significance for the future of life on earth out of proportion to its relatively sparse human population.

Aberdeen offers a base for northern research that uniquely affords a truly circumpolar perspective. The University has already established a leading international research reputation in a number of fields, such as geosciences, environmental biology, archaeology, anthropology, Scandinavian studies.

Programmes

The North theme consists of four programmes:

These interdisciplinary programmes brought together colleagues from the College of Physical Sciences (CoPS), the College of Life Sciences and Medicine (CLSM) and the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS).  Programme teams were comprised of established staff, five postdoctoral research fellows and 11 doctoral students. Their findings will be available from here shortly.

History

Established in June 2011, The North theme was led by Professor Tim Ingold and managed by 17 Project Board members, drawn from all three Colleges of the University representing a full range of northern interests.

Doctor Ed Schofield took over from Professor Tim Ingold in 2018 to lead The North theme, with the assistance of 10 new members of The New North theme working group, to build on the University's current northern research ranging from music, language and archaeology to geology, hydrology and climate change to provide an environment in which projects can develop.

Future

The long-term ambition is to establish an Aberdeen Institute for the North with its own building, centred on a Museum of the North. This will act as a magnet for researchers from around the world.

Useful Links

2017 Rectors’ Forum of the University of the Arctic

About the 2017 Rectors’ Forum of the University of the Arctic

UArctic logo

The University of Aberdeen was honoured and delighted to host the 2017 Rectors’ Forum of the University of the Arctic.   Distinguished delegates were welcomed to King's College Conference Centre, Aberdeen to discuss the Forum theme: The Inhabited Arctic: Lands, Peoples and Scholarship in the Circumpolar North

An associated International Conference, (open to the public) immediately followed the Forum on the theme of Conversations from the North: Scholars of many disciplines and inhabitants of many places in dialogue with one another, with animals and plants, and with the land, held in King's College Conference Centre.

The UArctic Rectors' Forums provide an unique opportunity for leaders of the UArctic's Higher Education Institution members to share common dialogue and focus on topics of special relevance.  Principal Sir Ian Diamond along with some Rectors' Forum delegates in August 2017  Institution leaders, Rectors, Chancellors, Presidents, Provosts, Vice-Rectors, Vice-Chancellors, Vice-Presidents, Vice-Provosts and formal delegates who participated in the Aberdeen Rectors’ Forum. Several delegates brought along experts, specialist advisors and/or support staff including  Student Forum delegates.

The 11th UArctic Rectors' Forum was held in conjunction with the inaugural UArctic Research Analytics Institute Meeting. Immediately followed by an International Conference: Conversations from the North. 

The Rectors' Forum concluded with a discussion session between the rectors and Student Forum  delegates who presented their own Declaration to the assembled participants.

UArctic Rectors Forum Aberdeen

The Student Forum Declaration highlighted many issues, as a direct result of the Forums.  Particularly the main challenges facing universities with research and higher education in the North today.  Coupled with the importance of partnerships between institutions in the "near North" within the Circumpolar North and the UArctic network.