UArctic Thematic Network on Northern and Arctic Islands Studies Research

The Institute for Northern Studies and the University of the Arctic establish the Northern and Arctic Island Studies Research Thematic Network.

Dr Andrew Jennings, Reader in Island Studies and based at the Institute for Northern Studies, has established the Northern and Arctic Island Studies Research Thematic Network with the University of the Arctic (UArctic).

The overall goal of the Northern and Arctic Island Studies Research Thematic Network is to support Arctic and Northern Island communities to socially, materially, and culturally benefit from the discipline of Island Studies, which at its core believes that islands have the human and intellectual capital to undertake research for themselves.

The Network will explore how islands can be helped to develop resilient, dynamic, and sustainable communities, charting the changing relationship between islanders and the sea, and exploring innovative ways of adapting to the effects of climate change. Topics within this overarching objective will include researching the sustainability of cold-water island tourism; how island subnational jurisdictions with small populations use their powers of jurisdiction and interpersonal relationships to forge relationships with other islands - outside of the usual state-to-state relationships; what makes young people want to stay in or to leave their local island community; what is the role of ‘local knowledge’ (and intergenerational relations) in young people’s future perspectives and attachment to their island places?

Currently the Network is organising a virtual Arctic knitting circle called ‘Yarns and Yarns’ which will bring island communities together to knit and share stories.

UArctic is a network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North.