ARCTOS network

Saxifraga, polar fox, bearded seal © Marte Lundberg

ARCTOS attempts to amplify the cooperation between lower trophic level marine ecologists in Tromsų and Svalbard with the dedicated goal to increase the scientific, logistic and organizational synergy between the involved institutions.

ARCTOS gives emphasis to marine resources in the Arctic and examines them from a holistic, ecosystem point of view. The sustainability of the ecosystem as such will be the focus in order to realize a continued and long-lasting exploitation of natural resources.

ARCTOS wishes to give more thrust to marine ecological research, support international cooperation and integration, and to proliferate the visibility of Norway's contribution to research in the Arctic.

ARCTOS attempts to increase the competitiveness of marine ecological research teams in Tromsų and Svalbard, on a national and international level.

ARCTOS will connect Norwegian marine ecological research with similar activities across the Arctic region and integrate its research into a pan-Arctic context.

ARCTOS will continuously screen the opportunities for joint and coordinated research project applications, based on national or international funding agencies.

ARCTOS endeavors to improve and strengthen the education of students of marine ecology in the Arctic. ARCTOS has established a science trainee school in marine Arctic ecologyfor PhD students. An important aspect is the creation of post doc positions to build a bridge between PhD students and senior scientists as well as to ensure uninterrupted recruitment of Arctic marine ecologists.

ARCTOS will work for a close integration of research institutions on Svalbard and the research vessels Jan Mayen and Lance into marine Arctic work.

ARCTOS supports research activities that can be successfully linked to commercial activities. ARCTOS wishes to supply commercial interests in the European Arctic with best possible environmental information (processes, biodiversity, impacts, patterns of dispersal etc.).

ARCTOS will actively improve the communication between administration and the general public through continuous and dedicated out-reach activities.

ARCTOS will work actively with artists, journalist and writers to increase the awareness of the Arctic and Arctic science.

ARCTOS intends to improve the balance between genders in marine Arctic research. The recruitment of women, a demographic sector that is consistently underrepresented among the permanent staff of academic institutions, belongs to the long-term strategies of the network.