I’m currently in Bergen, Norway at the 10th annual Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW).  One of the draws of attending the ASSW is the science symposium, in which I presented a couple talks and co-chaired the “Coastal Environments as a link between Land and Sea in the Arctic” session.  However, the long-term primary purpose of the ASSW has been to provide opportunities for international coordination, collaboration and cooperation in all areas of Arctic Science and to provide a forum for international Arctic Science planning activities.  This is the place to be if you’re interested in keeping your finger on the pulse of (or even directly contributing to!) the future direction of research in the Arctic.  For instance, multiple groups have held their annual meetings here this week, to include the International Arctic Sciences Commtitee (IASC), Arctic Ocean Sciences Board (AOSB), European Polar Board (EPB), Pacific Arctic Group (PAG), and the International Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA).

Arctic Science planning activities are one important step towards communicating to funding agencies the priority areas of scientific research, which in turn may result in future funding opportunities for researchers in these specific research trajectories.  But one of the most rewarding experiences about being here is to connect with other arctic researchers from around the world, cross-fertilize our scientific ideas and results, and foster future collaborations.  ASSW 2010 will be in Nuuk, Greenland and ASSW 2011 will likely be in Seoul, Korea.  Oftentimes there are possibilities for young researchers to attend these types of conferences and summits, so I encourage you all to keep an eye out for further opportunities!

So with that, as they say here in Norway — Skål!

Karen