Arctic Institute of North America attends Arctic Change 2024

The ArcticNet 2024 conference, held in Ottawa from December 9-12, marked the 5th International Arctic Change Conference (AC2024). This prestigious event, organized annually by ArcticNet, brought together a diverse community of researchers, scientists, policy-makers, rightsholders, and other stakeholders to address the most pressing issues facing the Arctic. Participants gathered to explore interdisciplinary approaches to environmental, social, cultural, and economic changes in the region, particularly in the context of climate change, ecosystem shifts, and human activities.

At AC2024, the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) was well represented, with a dedicated team of researchers, directors, and students showcasing the Institute's ongoing work in Arctic science, Indigenous knowledge, and research collaboration. The team included:

• Maribeth Murray (Executive Director)
• Brent Else (Associate Director)
• Shannon McAllister (Manager, Research Data, Collections, and Digital Services)
• Patricia Wells (Editor, ARCTIC Journal)
• Steven Crookes (Research Associate, Canadian BioGenome Project)
• Shivangi Mishra (Postdoctoral Associate, Arctic Genomics Project)
• Gemma Murray-Gerlach (Student Research Assistant)

AINA’s participation in the conference reflected its ongoing commitment to supporting the Arctic research community and fostering collaborations that bridge knowledge systems, from scientific to Indigenous perspectives.

Key contributions from AINA team members

Maribeth Murray, Executive Director of AINA, co-chaired a side meeting for the Canadian Polar Data Consortium, a collaborative initiative among Canadian Arctic data centers. The consortium's shared mission is to provide ethically open, accessible, and comprehensive digital resources to a diverse and global audience of data users. 

Brent Else, Associate Director of AINA, played a crucial role in co-chairing several key sessions, including Arctic Research Vessels: Towards a Better Coordination of Marine Infrastructures, which was sponsored by Amundsen Science. The session focused on fostering collaboration among ship operators, developing best practices for coordinating marine infrastructure, and ensuring that research efforts in the Arctic are maximized through strategic collaboration. This discussion aimed to address critical logistical challenges and lower operational costs while optimizing research outcomes in one of the world's most difficult-to-reach environments. 

Shannon McAllister, AINA’s Manager of Research Data, Collections, and Digital Services, led several informative side meetings at the conference. One of the key events was the session Polar Data Management: A Rough Guide for Researchers for early career Northern researchers. This meeting aimed to provide early-career Arctic researchers with essential tools and guidelines for managing research data in the Polar regions. Discussions covered critical aspects of data management, including creating data management plans, using unique identifiers like DOIs and ORCIDs, understanding data ethics, and considering Indigenous community perspectives in data collection and sharing. 

In addition, Shannon presented a poster entitled “ADA: Arctic Discovery & Access”. The poster showcased ADA: an online educational platform developed by AINA that provides access to a wealth of Arctic research materials. These include scientific publications, research projects based on licenses and permits, K-12 educational resources, virtual exhibits, and AINA’s unique archives and special collections. ADA exemplifies AINA’s commitment to increasing accessibility to Arctic research and knowledge, ensuring that the Arctic's history, science, and future are shared widely across various audiences. 

In the session Advancing Knowledge and Conservation of Biodiversity in the Terrestrial High Arctic—sponsored by the Canadian Museum of Nature—Steven Crookes, Research Associate for the Canadian BioGenome Project, presented about the MAGIC: Muskox and Genomics in the Community Workshop. This community-based initiative brought together Inuit Elders, community representatives, scientists, and stakeholders to discuss the role of genomics in supporting Indigenous-led wildlife management strategies, specifically in relation to muskoxen and other Arctic species. Steven highlighted the importance of DNA-based tools for better understanding species' genetic diversity, health, and adaptability, especially in the face of a rapidly changing climate. The MAGIC workshop emphasizes co-management of Arctic ecosystems by integrating scientific data with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, addressing both the ecological and socio-cultural dimensions of Arctic biodiversity management. 

In the same session, Shivangi Mishra, Postdoctoral Associate in the Arctic Genomics Project, presented her research on the role of genomics in fostering Arctic biodiversity. Her presentation focused on raising awareness about genomic tools among rightsholders and stakeholders to develop more effective co-management and policy strategies for Arctic biodiversity conservation and co-management. Shivangi discussed the barriers to implementing genomic research in the Arctic, including challenges related to accessibility, capacity building, and the integration of scientific data with Indigenous knowledge and practices aimed at creating a more inclusive and sustainable approach to Arctic biodiversity co-management, ensuring that Arctic communities are equipped to respond to environmental changes with scientifically-informed, culturally respectful strategies.

Engaging with conference visitors

In addition to their presentations and sessions, the AINA booth, led by Patricia Wells and Gemma Murray-Gerlach, served as a key touchpoint for visitors throughout the conference. The booth provided a platform for individuals from all sectors: researchers, students, Indigenous communities, policy-makers, and others to interact with AINA team members, learn about ongoing projects, and discuss the future of Arctic research and policy. 

The AINA booth offered a range of materials, including publications, project summaries, and information about AINA's efforts to promote Arctic research, data management, and Indigenous collaboration. Visitors were able to explore how AINA’s initiatives are addressing urgent issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development in the Arctic. 

Advancing knowledge and building partnerships for a changing Arctic

The ArcticNet 2024 conference provided a unique platform for advancing discussions on the rapidly changing Arctic and the challenges it presents. The contributions from the Arctic Institute of North America at the conference reflected its leadership in fostering interdisciplinary research, promoting data management best practices, and integrating Indigenous knowledge into scientific inquiry. AINA's participation highlighted its commitment to creating pathways for collaboration, advancing knowledge, and supporting communities in the face of profound changes in the Arctic. The insights, projects, and partnerships developed at AC2024 will undoubtedly contribute to more informed and sustainable decision-making for the future of the Arctic.