UArctic Thematic Networks are independent and thematically focused networks of experts in
specific areas of northern relevance. A Thematic Network may focus its activities on one or
several of the following: research cooperation, knowledge sharing, curriculum development,
or forming the basis for larger project development. Thematic Networks consist of individual
experts from at least three UArctic member institutions, if possible from all three major
northern regions (North America, northern Europe, and Russia). In addition a Thematic
Network may have members from non-UArctic member institutions, but representatives from
UArctic member institutions shall have majority in any internal decision-making structure.
The Thematic Networks guidelines state that any individual expert(s) at UArctic member
institution(s) can propose to UArctic, the establishment of a new Thematic Network. The lead
is responsible for submitting a proposal to the UArctic Thematic Network Coordination
Office, along with a support letter signed by the head of the host institution. Proposals for new
Thematic Networks must include details on the focus, goals, membership, planned activities,
and structure of the network.
By the deadline of March 15th, 2015, six (6) new thematic network proposals was received by
the Thematic Networks Coordination Office, and these proposal were evaluated by members
of the Thematic Networks Program Team.
The evaluation of the proposal included: the checking of potential linkages with other UArctic
activities (i.e. internal review process with other UArctic activity areas); the review and
assistance for improvements by relevant UArctic programs; a sustainability review by the
leads of thematic networks; and a review by UArctic’s Vice-President Indigenous.
Afterwards, at the next meeting of the Council of UArctic, a leader or other representative of
each proposed Thematic Network is obligated to participate and present their Thematic
Network to the members of Council. On the following day the members of Council are to vote
on the provisional establishment of each proposed Thematic Network.
Once approved by Council, the thematic network is given provisional status for a period of
one year. In the second year, if the new thematic network has shown that activities have been
planned and/or initiated, then their endorsement will become final. The endorsement proposal
at that point is done by the Thematic Networks coordination office.
After the final endorsement by Council, a Memorandum of Understanding / MOU between
the lead institution and UArctic must be signed within six months after Council endorsement.
In 2015 the Thematic Network Coordination Office received and the Thematic Networks Program
Team reviewed the following new thematic networks:
: University of Alaska Fairbanks, USA
:
Karl Kowalski, Chief Information Technology Officer
Proposal and Support letter – TN Arctic Telecom-Netwk
: Northern Arctic Federal University, Russia
:
Natalia Simonova, Head of Psychology Dept., Institute of
Pedagogics and Psychology
Proposal and Support letter – TN Working in the Arctic
: University of Alaska Fairbanks, USA
:
Brandon Boylan, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Political Science
Proposal and Support letter – TN Model Arctic Council
: University of Saskatchewan, Canada
:
Heather Exner-Pirot, Strategist for Outreach and Indigenous
Engagement
Proposal and Support letter – TN Northern Nursing Edu.
: University of Lapland, Finland
:
Tuija Turunen, Professor, Faculty of Education
Proposal and Support letter – TN Teacher Education
: UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
:
Kjell Magne Maelen, Dekan, Faculty Administration
Proposal and Support letter – TN World Ensemble
Council 2015 - Proposal: Approval of New and Provisional Thematic Networks
UArctic International Secretariat, Box 122 University of Lapland, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland
[email protected] www.uarctic.org
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In 2014 the following Thematic Network was given provisional status and has since shown that
activities have been planned and/or initiated. Select the web-link to see their web-page.
: University of Saskatchewan, Canada
:
Ken Coates, Director, International Centre for Northern Governance
and Development, and Canada Research Chair in Innovation
: Frode Mellemvik, Director, the High North Centre, University of
Nordland, Norway
TN Commercial-SciTech – Activities 2014-15
Proposal and Support letter – TN Commercial SciTech
Toyon proposes that the Council make the following decisions:
a)
The Council approves the establishment of the:
Thematic Network on Arctic Telecommunications and Networking, hosted by the
University of Alaska Fairbanks, USA;
Thematic Network on Working in the Arctic, hosted by the Northern Arctic Federal
University, The Russian Federation;
Thematic Network on Model Arctic Council, hosted by the University of Alaska
Fairbanks, USA;
Thematic Network on Northern Nursing Education, hosted by the University of
Saskatchewan, Canada;
Thematic Network on Teacher Education for Social Justice and Diversity in
Education, hosted by the University of Lapland, Finland; and the
Thematic Network on UArctic World Ensemble, hosted by UiT the Arctic University of
Norway.
b)
The Council support the Thematic Network Office’s decision to grant full endorsement to
the Thematic Network on the Commercialization of Science and Technology for the
North, hosted by the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Council 2015 - Proposal: Approval of New and Provisional Thematic Networks
UArctic International Secretariat, Box 122 University of Lapland, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland
[email protected] www.uarctic.org
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