The Changing Arctic: Closing Knowledge Gaps for Europe’s Future
The High Arctic is transforming at an unprecedented speed, causing Europe to face growing knowledge gaps that directly affect its longterm strategic interests. The University of Bergen (UiB) and The Nansen Center (NERSC) are pleased to invite you to our event which will deep dive into these challenges.
Main content
Backdrop
The European Union is reviewing its Arctic policy at a time where the High North is emerging as a critical arena in which climate change, technological development, and security dynamics converge. The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, with direct implications for Europe’s climate resilience and strategic preparedness. Strengthening cooperation across European and associated Arctic partners is essential to close critical knowledge gaps, sustain observation networks and ensure that Europe maintains access to environmental intelligence from the rapidly evolving Arctic Ocean.
This seminar brings together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, focusing on the rapidly changing Arctic and the new challenges it presents for Europe. The discussion highlights the key role of advances in ocean, sea-ice, and climate research, and Norway’s unique capabilities, such as specialized infrastructure, ocean observatories, and advanced satellite data.
Together, these tools can deepen our understanding of deep-ocean processes and help explain the accelerating climate changes occurring in the High North.
Draft Programme (last updated 22.05.2026)
| 08.30 – 09.00 | Registration and networking breakfast |
| 09.00 – 09.10 | Welcome Gunn Mangerud, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Bergen (UiB) |
| 09.10 – 09.25 | Opening keynote |
| 09.25 – 09.40 | Short presentations The Arctic Ocean in the global climate system Modeling the Arctic in real-time |
| 09.40 – 10.30 | Panel 1: Research Gaps in the Arctic
Moderated by: Tor Eldevik, Head of department, Geophysical Institute, UiB |
| 10.30-10.45 | Coffee break |
| 10.45-11.00 | Short presentations Pioneering Arctic Ocean Observation for Science, Innovation and Sovereignty Connecting infrastructure and policy needs |
| 11.00-11.50 | Panel 2: Arctic Infrastructure, Capacity and Strategic Autonomy
Moderated by: Katrine Moland Hansen, Director of Operations, NERSC |
| 11.50-12.00 | Concluding remarks |
| 12.00-13.00 | Networking lunch |
About NERSC
For four decades, the Nansen Center (NERSC) has delivered research of high scientific quality and operational relevance for Norway, Europe and the wider international community. As a leading European research centre in understanding and forecasting changes in the marine environment and climate of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, NERSC combines advanced observation systems, state-of-the-art modelling, data assimilation, artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide actionable knowledge for policy, preparedness and sustainable management. NERSC leads the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service’s Arctic Monitoring and Forecasting Centre, ARC MFC. Through collaboration with leading research and technology communities in Europe and the US, we have also led the development of one of the world's most advanced underwater observation systems (HiAOOS- High Arctic Ocean Observing System), under the perennial ice in the Arctic Ocean.
About UiB Faculty of Science and Technology
The Faculty of Science and Technology (NT) at the University of Bergen plays an important role in advancing the understanding of the rapidly changing Arctic. Through world‑leading research in climate dynamics, oceanography, cryosphere science, bio- and earth science, the faculty contributes essential knowledge on the Arctic, including on how the changes influences European societies—from sea‑level rise and extreme weather to shifts in ocean circulation. NT researchers operate and develop critical infrastructure, including ocean observatories, autonomous platforms like gliders, ROV and AUVs, and collaborate broadly with national and international partners. These capabilities contribute to strengthening Europe’s ability to monitor the High North, close key knowledge gaps, and support evidence‑based policy for a more secure and climate‑resilient future.
