Alexandra Middleton Awarded Fulbright Arctic Initiative IV Grant
Dr. Middleton, who holds a PhD in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Oulu, conducts research on critical issues, such as climate change accountability, sustainable development, demographics, human capital, innovation, and connectivity solutions in the Arctic. Additionally, she is actively involved in science diplomacy, raising awareness of the economic, social, and environmental challenges faced by the Arctic region.
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is an international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. The Fulbright Finland Foundation promotes a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States, the Foundation collaborates with a range of government, foundation, university and corporate partners on both sides of the Atlantic to design and manage study and research scholarships, leadership development programs and internationalization services.
The Fulbright Arctic Initiative IV, running from 2024 to 2026, specifically focuses on creating a network of scholars and professionals from Arctic nations to address critical public policy research questions relevant to the region. This network addresses public policy research questions relevant to Arctic nations’ shared challenges and opportunities, with a focus on maintaining the Arctic as a safe, healthy, prosperous, and sustainable place to live.
In her current role as the Citizen Science Ambassador for Finland in the European Citizen Science Project, Middleton emphasizes the role of citizen science in addressing both global and arctic-specific issues. Her commitment to the Arctic’s future is further evidenced by her selection as one of the three scholars from Finland to join Fulbright Arctic Initiative IV. Researchers Tanja Joona and Juho Kähkönen from the University of Lapland were also selected as Fulbright Arctic Initiative IV grantees.
Middleton’s research project, “Bridging the Gap: Just Transition, Energy Security, and Critical Minerals Management in the Arctic,” aligns with the thematic topic of Climate Change and Arctic Resources in Fulbright Arctic Initiative Programme. Her project will address the key aspects of transitioning to low-carbon energy systems while ensuring fairness and equity in Arctic communities. Dr. Middleton will collaborate with the Belfer Center's Arctic Initiative at the Harvard Kennedy School to further her research.
Dr. Kirsi Latola, Acting Director of Thule Institute: “Thule Institute extends its congratulations to Dr. Alexandra Middleton on being awarded a grant. We look forward to the mutual benefits that this esteemed program will bring to Finland and the strengthening of scientific and cultural ties.”