Arctic Change 2017

With over 1450 registrants, Arctic Change 2017 has been by far the most popular annual gathering in ArcticNet’s history. Arctic researchers, Inuit, First Nations and Northern community representatives, government and non-government organizations, students, and industry stakeholders from 22 countries convened in Québec City from December 11-15, 2017, to discuss global challenges and opportunities arising from climate change and modernization in the circum-Arctic.

The breadth and depth of the Conference Program was unprecedented. The results from a total of 949 research projects were discussed in 363 Posters and 586 Oral presentations. There were over than 60 Topical Sessions covering virtually all disciplines of Arctic research. The shared results highlighted the environmental, health and socio-economic realities in a changing circumpolar region.

In addition, Arctic Change 2017 provided a remarkable networking opportunity for attendees, who were able to participate in 41 Side Meetings which took place throughout the Conference.

Over 700 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and researchers attended this year’s Student Day on ‘International Cooperation and Collaboration in Arctic Research’. In addition to the Student Poster Competition, one-minute oral ‘Elevator Pitches’ were evaluated and generated a lot of interest among Students and Conference attendees. During the Gala Awards Banquet, 17 students from 12 universities were awarded prizes for research excellence and its presentation with a total value of $8,500.

As well as Student Prizes, several prestigious Awards were presented to honour Arctic science excellence and leadership:

• Dr. Michel Allard was awarded the 2017 $100,000 Weston Family Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Northern Research;
• Dr. John England received the Polar Knowledge Canada Northern Science Award;
• Mr. Lucassie Arragutainaq was presented with the Inuit Recognition Award;
• Dr. Lisa Loseto accepted the Association of Polar Early Scientists (APECS) Canadian Mentorship Award.

The Finalists for the 2017 Arctic Inspiration Prize were announced including the two projects being considered for the $1 Million Prize: ‘The Arctic Indigenous Wellness Project’ and ‘From-the-Land – Food Ambassadors Program’.

In addition to the outstanding research, networking and exhibitor opportunities, an inspiring performance by ‘The Jerry Cans’ of Iqaluit at the Awards Banquet was a highlight of the Meeting.

The ArcticNet Board of Directors, Research Management Committee and Secretariat would like to thank all the participants, sponsors, partners and exhibitors for their contributions ensuing that AC2017 was a success.

To access the official conference website: http://www.arcticnetmeetings.ca/ac2017/.

Graduate Student Poster Award Recipients

Terrestrial Sciences

	First Place Gwyneth Anne MacMillan, Université de Montréal, Doctoral Student
	Second Place Stephanie Varty, Toronto University, Master Student
	Third Place Claire Bernard-Grand’Maison, University of Ottawa, Master Student

Marine Sciences

	First Place Sean Murphy, University of Calgary, Master Student
	Second Place Nastasia Freyria, Université Laval, Doctoral Student
	Third Place Benjamin Misiuk, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Doctoral Student

Marine Sciences Honourable Mentions

	Laura Dalman, University of Manitoba, Master Student
	Sarah Schembri, Université Laval, Doctoral Student
	Curtis Dinn, University of Alberta, Master Student

Health and Social Sciences

	First Place Alexandra Sawatzky, Guelph University, Doctoral Student
	Second Place Kristeen McTavish, Trent University, Master Student
	Third Place Eranga Galappaththi, McGill University, Doctoral Student

Inuit Partnership of Excellence Award

Megan Sheremata, University of Toronto, Doctoral Student

Sponsors & Exhibitors