Project Description
New Insights in Polar Law brings together early-career (EC) scholars from the University of Akureyri, Iceland and Ilisimatusarfik, Greenland (the New Insights cohort) to identify, explore and present key issues in polar law. They meet at Ilisimatusarfik to exchange ideas about the most pressing issues facing the Arctic and potential strategies to address them. They present their insights at the 18th Polar Law Symposium (18 PLS) in Nuuk. They meet twice following 18 PLS: once in person to reflect on the 18 PLS; and once a few weeks later in hybrid format to consider the future of polar law and their own potential contributions. They write a Final Outcomes report on the activity, identifying priorities for future research in polar law. The report is shared with ICARP IV Research Priority Teams and other research planners. The activity provides a platform for new scholars and emerging leaders in Arctic affairs to communicate their perspectives and to network with Indigenous leaders, senior scholars, policy-makers and other experts.
The New Insights cohort chooses the issues and decided how to organise their panel at 18 PLS under the guidance of experienced academics who act as facilitators for the workshops. The 18 PLS participants provide feedback on the cohort’s panel as well as guidance on future development of their work and potential research and career paths.
Date and Location
20 – 30 October 2025 | Akureyri Iceland / Nuuk, Greenland
IASC Working Groups funding the project
- Marine WG
- Social & Human WG
- Terrestrial WG
Project Lead
Rachael Lorna Johnstone (University of Akureyri, Iceland)
Year funded by IASC
2025