Northern Research Forum

 The Northern Research Forum at the University of Akureyri (NRF at UNAK) coordinates various Arctic activities in Iceland and internationally, both within and outside of the University. Based at UNAK, the NRF is a part of the University and operated from there, in line with the University’s agenda. Mr. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, the President of Iceland (1996-2006), launched the idea of the NRF and it was formed a year later in 1999.  

The NRF at UNAK strives to increase interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration in the Arctic and to improve the livelihoods of Arctic communities. The forum serves as an international platform for an effective dialogue between members of the research community and a wide range of stakeholders from civil society, politics, business, and local communities. 

Main activities of the NRF include: 

• Overseeing and implementing the NRF Fellows Program 
• Administering UNAK’s bilateral or multilateral Arctic cooperation activities, including the Nansen professorship 
• Aiding NRF Fellows in supporting the work of the Arctic Council working groups 
• Supporting the presence of UNAK participants at the Arctic Circle Conference 
• Facilitating and promoting UNAK’s participation in the UArctic network 
• Production of The Arctic Yearbook 

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