Young Polar Researchers: Perspectives, Challenges, and Insights
Summary
The Arctic is undergoing profound transformations and stands among the regions most affected by climate change. It is also experiencing emerging trends in resource extraction and a surge in tourism. These rapid changes present significant challenges for northern communities and underscore the urgent need for a deeper collaboration and understanding of the region, its territories, environmental dynamics, socio-political contexts, and the far-reaching impacts of ongoing change.
Research conducted in the Arctic is embedded in a history that, in several contexts, has been shaped by colonialism and extractive practices that have caused lasting harm to local populations. These wounds remain present and call for a critical reflection on research practices. In this context, research itself is undergoing transformation: new approaches are emerging, driven by a rising generation of researchers who are committed to ethics, collaboration, and meaningful change.
This student-led roundtable aims to share experiences and perspectives of early-career researchers from different disciplines and working across different circumpolar regions. Through an open exchange, we will explore the challenges they face, the lessons they have learned, and the successes they have achieved, while reflecting on emerging research practices and how they envision the future of northern research in general and their own research in particular.
Introduction (20 min)
• Our format/method / Circle of introductions
• How did you get interested in Arctic Research?
• What is your research on?
Questions for the panelists
• What are the important elements to consider when doing research in the Arctic (according to each of our realities, area of expertise)
• What are the challenges you are/have been facing in your research?
• What are some of the successes you have achieved?
• What are your insights from your research?
• How do you see the future of your research?
Facilitators:
Mirkka Ollila: PhD Student at the Aleksanteri Institute, University of Helsinki
Polina Syadeyskaya: PhD Student in Anthropology, University of Victoria
Panel members:
Jake Cohen: Alaska Sea Grant State Fellow, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Ayse Akyildiz: PhD student in Rural Sociology and Demography, Pennsylvania State University
Vicky Gélinas: Master's Student in Sociology, Université Laval
Geneviève Vachon: Master's Student in Public Health, Université Laval
Manuel Charette: WAGE Research Assistant, University of Ottawa
Date: May 22, 2025, 16:00 UTC to 17:30 UTC
English-French interpretation will be available.
Please note this event will be recorded and shared on Youtube
*If you have not received an invitation with the Zoom link by e-mail, please fill out the form and we will send it to you : WAGE Roundtable - Registration
For any other question, you can contact us at info.wage@ulaval.ca.
