The shortlisted nominees:

  • Associate Professor Louise Chavarie, MSci Ellie Ward, Professor Darren Gröcke and Guttorm Christensen are working on the Ecological Gold Rush project: mechanisms driving boreal marine fishes into a warming Arctic and the impacts for Arctic communities and coastal ecosystems.
  • Associate Professor Alexander Tøsdal Tveit, Professor Lisa Y. Stein and Research Scientist Fang Qian are considered for the BIOSINK project, which aims to utilise Arctic atmospheric methane oxidizing bacteria to create biofilters that convert low-concentration methane emissions into biomass.
  • Allison A. Fong and Amy Lauren were selected for the Studio Impact project which designs innovative approaches to science outreach efforts, combining climate research, communication, action and education through cross-pollination between Art & Storytelling, Science & Research and Industry & Technology.

The Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award recognises scientific and academic ideas that are action-oriented and hold potential for addressing the challenges and critical needs posed by climate change in the Arctic region. The prize comes with 100,000 euros of unrestricted funds, intended to help develop the ideas through outreach, engagement, and communication.

The call for nominations ran from February 7 to April 30 and was open to all from individuals to community groups and organizations. After a thorough review and evaluation of all nominated ideas, the UArctic Academic Advisory Board, Mimir, which serves as the Award Evaluation Committee, selected three ideas to continue to the final round. The final evaluation includes online interviews where the shortlisted candidates get a chance to introduce their ideas in more detail to the Mimir representatives.

Here is more information about the shortlisted nominees for the 2024 Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award:

Associate Professor Louise Chavarie, MSci Ellie Ward, Professor Darren Gröcke and Guttorm Christensen are working on the Ecological Gold Rush project which focuses on understanding the northward expansion of Atlantic and pink salmon into the Arctic, particularly in Svalbard’s fjords and rivers, driven by climate change-induced habitat changes. Collaborating with local stakeholders, the project will utilise genomic and trophic ecology analyses to investigate the adaptive capacities of these species, informing management policies to mitigate invasive species' impacts. Led by experts from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and Durham University, the project promises to advance scientific understanding and support sustainable fisheries management in the Arctic.

Associate Professor Alexander Tøsdal Tveit, Professor Lisa Y. Stein and Research Scientist Fang Qian are working on the BIOSINK project which aims to utilise Arctic atmospheric methane oxidizing bacteria to create biofilters that convert low-concentration methane emissions into biomass. Methane is a significant greenhouse gas, contributing 20% to global warming, and its reduction is crucial for climate change mitigation. Efficiently capturing methane from the air using bacteria sourced from Arctic environments offers a potential solution for capturing methane emissions. Additionally, the project aims to convert methane into protein-rich biomass for use in food production. Under the leadership of experts from the University of Alberta, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the BIOSINK project will significantly impact Arctic and global societies by providing a viable method to reduce atmospheric methane and combat climate change.

Allison A. Fong and Amy Lauren are working on the Studio Impact project focusing on climate research and communication. It merges art, storytelling, science, and technology to create impactful narratives about climate change. The project leverages virtual reality and immersive installations to document and communicate scientific discoveries, aiming to foster new cultural conversations around climate issues. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, it seeks to engage broad audiences, enhance public understanding, and drive action on climate change. Key activities include scientific research, VR documentaries, science communication consulting, and impact tracking.

The fourth Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award will be announced at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, October 17-19, 2024. The Award is a collaboration between Arctic Circle and UArctic.

The Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award provides high-level recognition for innovative ideas that transform knowledge into action to help address the impacts of climate change in the Arctic. The prize comes with a €100,000 unrestricted grant that is intended to help develop the ideas through outreach, engagement, and communication.

Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic and our planet. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organisations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan.

UArctic is a network of nearly 200 universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organisations concerned with education and research in and about the Arctic. UArctic builds and strengthens collective resources and infrastructures that enable member institutions to serve their constituents and their regions better. Through cooperation in education, research, and outreach UArctic enhances human capacity in the North, promotes viable communities and sustainable economies, and forges global partnerships.