In the Arctic regions, where rapid transformation is shaped by climate, environmental and socio-economic change, impacts are felt first and most severely in Arctic communities and territories.
On December 15 – 18, 2025, 1,400 researchers, academics, students, and members of Indigenous communities met in Calgary at the Telus Convention Centre for the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting—the largest arctic science gathering in North America.
ArcticNet contributes to the development and distribution of the knowledge to inform policy development and adaptation strategies to help Canadians meet the challenges and opportunities created by socio-economic and climate change in the Arctic.
“The Annual Scientific Meeting is more than a conference of researchers and academics—it is a place for people from communities across Canada and the Arctic to gather in collaboration and partnership,” Dr. Pierre Bilodeau, CEO of ArcticNet. “It is an opportunity to bring together Indigenous expertise and knowledge and institutional scientific practice to strengthen research and policy.”
The event brought together experts from across the country and the world in sustainability and climate change mitigation, Indigenous food security and sovereignty, coastal erosion and sea ice, and many other multidisciplinary fields of research for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Held for the first time in Calgary, the event featured plenary sessions on genomics, sustainable Arctic policy, and innovations in Arctic science, as well as film screenings about key issues including coastal erosion in Northern communities. Arctic and northern researchers shared insights in sessions on wildlife management, biodiversity, sustainable tourism, and adapting to the changing climate of the Arctic.
“Canada’s Arctic plays a crucial role in climate change action, world-class science, and Indigenous leadership,” said Dr. Christine Barnard, Vice-President Research, ArcticNet. “ASM2025 was a moment for inspiring conversations and groundbreaking discussions and I am grateful to the researchers, Indigenous experts, and other thought leaders for joining us in Calgary this week to share and learn. This year’s conference has been a prime opportunity for early career and student researchers to connect and develop their Northern careers.”
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Featured photo credits: Getty Images and ArcticNet