The Government launches Arctic Ocean 2050

The goal of the billion-kroner (almost €90 million) investment is to bring together research communities and polar researchers from 18 Norwegian universities and research communities.

"Research about and in the Arctic is one of UiB's fundamental pillars. We are very pleased with the news of this grant. The Arctic Ocean 2050 research program is important for safeguarding Norway's security and geopolitical interests, and for managing and understanding rapid climate change", says UiB Rector Margareth Hagen.

"Understanding the Arctic is crucial for a Norway's safety. Norway is NATO's eyes and ears in the North, and many countries want to collaborate with us on the research that takes place there. Major changes are underway in the Arctic. This applies to everything from climate, oceans and nature, to defense and security. Therefore, it is important that Norway continues to be at the forefront when it comes to Arctic research", says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Arctic Ocean 2050 (external link) is a large, ten-year research program (2026–2036) that will involve the full range of relevant research environments and bring together polar researchers from 18 Norwegian universities and institutes. The program will cover disciplines from the deepest seabed to the upper atmosphere. Throughout the ten-year period, Arctic Ocean 2050 will ensure a long-term and active presence in Arctic sea areas from a large number of Norwegian institutions.

"We are particularly proud of the trust and responsibility we have been given in the national collaboration, where UiB researchers and research leaders at the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Are Olsen and Marius Årthun, have led the preparation of the research plan that forms the basis. We look forward to the national collaboration to lift Norwegian polar research forward", says Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Gunn Mangerud.

Tor Eldevik is Head of Department at the Department of Geophysics, and is UiB's representative on the board of  Arctic Ocean 2050. He is very happy about the news.

"Arctic Ocean 2050 sets the time horizon and commits us. What can we say about the natural and geopolitical conditions leading up to the year 2050? This is extremely relevant in today's geopolitical situation, and it will become no less relevant as the Arctic becomes increasingly accessible, but also more vulnerable. It is incredibly rewarding for us researchers to collaborate across institutions and disciplines for the best possible predictability in the North. It is gratifying that the polar city of Bergen is leading the way here", he says.

Eldevik is receiving support from UiB researcher Marius Årthun.

"The allocation of 1 billion kroner to The Arctic Ocean 2050 is very good news. This long-term funding will highlight and strengthen Norway's presence in the Arctic, and ensure that Norway plays a leading role in the Arctic Ocean of the future, both as a supplier of knowledge and technology."