Fulbright Arctic Week

Washington DC, October 24-28, 2016

The seventeen Fulbright Arctic Initiative researchers and their co-lead scholars --who hail from all eight Arctic nations--will gather in Washington, D.C. in October 2016. The scholars will participate in policy meetings and public engagement events, including a capstone symposium showcasing the results of the Fulbright Arctic Scholars’ research and collaborations over the preceding 18 months.

Fulbright Arctic Scholars visiting the Nunavut Legislative Assembly at their first meeting in Iqaluit, Canada.

Launched in 2015 to coincide with the U.S. chairmanship of the Arctic Council, the Fulbright Arctic Initiative supports U.S. priorities including supporting international scientific cooperation on Arctic issues and increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. As Arctic nations continue to take concrete steps to work together on shared challenges, the Fulbright Arctic Initiative offers a collaborative model for scholarly exchange to help translate theory into practice. Representing the Arctic Council’s eight member countries (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States), the scholars are conducting research focused broadly on the impact of climate change on the Arctic, particularly on the issues of water, energy, health, and infrastructure.

During Fulbright Arctic Week, the Fulbright Arctic Scholars will participate in several events, sharing their experiences and research with policymakers and public audiences.

The Fulbright Arctic Symposium at the National Academy of Sciences on Thursday October 27, 9am-4:30pm, was live-streamed. Please see archived videos of the event below.

Public Events Calendar

This calendar will be continually updated with additional details on Arctic Week events, including venues, speakers, and registration information.

Tuesday, October 25, 2-5:30pm - Smithsonian Natural History Museum Open House
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – The Sant Ocean Hall
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

Open House/Meet the Scientist event to educate the public about the Arctic and the challenges facing the region due to a changing climate
Fulbright Arctic Scholars will have posters, photos and videos to describe their research and their scientific work in the Arctic
The U.S. Arctic Youth Ambassadors from Alaska will highlight the culture, traditions, and ways of life of today’s Arctic through visual displays, artifacts, and live music, dance, and athletic demonstrations

Wednesday, October 26, 2:30-5pm - Arctic Policy Dialogue at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
1779 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036

Speakers and panel discussions focused on Arctic policy
Speakers include:
- Ambassador Dave Balton, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and Fisheries and Chair of the Arctic Council Senior Arctic Officials
- Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi, Ambassador of Finland to the United States
- Okalik Eegeesiak, Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council

Thursday, October 27, 9am-4:30pm - Fulbright Arctic Symposium at the National Academy of Sciences
2101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20418

Public symposium focused on Arctic science and policy
Speakers include:
- Dr. John Holdren, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
- Ambassador Mark Brzezinski, Executive Director of the White House’s Arctic Executive Steering Committee
- Admiral Robert Papp, U.S. Special Representative for the Arctic, U.S. Department of State
- Arctic Youth Ambassadors
- Fulbright Arctic Scholars
Full Symposium agenda (PDF)