Arctic Cooperation
University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a cooperative, multidisciplinary network of universities, colleges, research institutes and other organizations working together in education, research and knowledge sharing in and about the Arctic. Members are from the Arctic eight countries (Arctic members) and other countries in Europe and Asia (non-Arctic members).
The University of Oulu is one of the founding members of the UArctic and has a vital role in both the leadership of UArctic and in developing joint activities and networks.
The rector of the University of Oulu Jouko Niinimäki is the vice-chair of the UArctic Board of Governors. Docent Mervi Heikkinen (Faculty of Education) is the Primary Council representative and docent Harri Saarnisaari (Centre for Wireless Communications CWC) is the Alternate Council representative from the University of Oulu. Arja Rautio is the UArctic Emerita Chair in Arctic Health.
UArctic has 60 Thematic Networks and 4 Institutes, which provide a collaborative framework for the development of education and research infrastructures, and the knowledge generation on topical Arctic issues.
University of Oulu is leading the following Thematic Networks:
- Thematic Network on Arctic Space Hub
- Thematic Network on Arctic Telecommunications and Networking
- Thematic Network on Communicating Arctic Research
- Thematic Network on Gender in the Arctic Knowledge Production,
and is a vice-lead at the Thematic Network on Health and Well-being in the Arctic.
University of Oulu is a partner in 15 other Thematic Networks:
- Ageing and Gender in the Arctic
- Arctic Geology
- Arctic Plastic Pollution
- Arctic WASH
- Circular Economy
- Decolonization of Arctic Library and Archives Metadata (DALAM)
- Herbivory
- Managing Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in the North
- Northern Food Security
- Northern Tourism
- Renewable Energy
- Research Analytics and Bibliometrics
- Smart Societies in the High North (SmartNorth)
- Teacher Education for Social Justice and Diversity in Education
- Working in the Arctic
The UArctic Thematic Networks Leadership Office is located at the Thule Institute. It supports Thematic Networks, which link educational, research and outreach activities in key issue areas. Besides the overall coordination of UArctic Thematic Networks, the office services aim to enhance research cooperation and improve conditions for funding.
Vice-President networks Kirsi Latola, Manager of Thematic Networks Heli Niittynen. Issues related to the Thematic Networks, including guidance for the establishment of the new ones are handled by the Vice-President networks Kirsi Latola and Manager of Thematic Networks Heli Niittynen.