Arctic Change 2020

2020 was a year like no other for Arctic research, and ArcticNet’s Arctic Change conference was no exception. Held every three years in different Canadian locations, the international conference shifted to a virtual setting with the global COVID-19 pandemic, with 1600 attendees tuning in online from across Canada and around the world. This year included 327 Northern participants, the most representative Arctic Change conference yet. The heart of any conference is the people, and the connections participants make with each other. Going virtual meant giving up the in-person visits, but not the interactions or networking opportunities. Participants watched more than 346 presentations, joined in live question and answer sessions and online chats with panelists and speakers, connected to each other on the virtual conference platform, and more than 5207 streamed the plenaries together. During the week, sessions and conference events were viewed more than 25K times.

The ArcticNet Students’ Association held their annual student day with over 300 participants, finding innovative ways to keep the social spirit of past conferences, holding a virtual trivia night to cap off a busy day of student-focused programming. A highlight of this year’s programming was the popular Vox Pop videos, the Northern Inclusion initiative presented by the Arviat Film Society. Short videos from students, researchers, community leaders and dignitaries shared what the Arctic means to each person representing the full range of the research community. The videos showcased the different pathways people have taken to engage with, and give back to, the Arctic.

The conference opened with welcome remarks from Natan Obed, the President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. Mr. Obed acknowledged the difficulties of Northern research in a time of COVID, and celebrated the opportunity for the Network to join together in ensuring that the needs of Inuit and the Arctic are served through research. Also welcoming participants was the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs. Minister Vandal congratulated the conference in addressing the challenges of climate change, changing environments and access to education in the North. 

Highlighted throughout the week was an exciting new program launched to support Northern research led by Northerners. The Inuit Nunangat Research Program is the first Inuit-led, directed and governed research program in Canada funded under ArcticNet’s new North by North Program. The scientific programming demonstrated the commitment to research excellence displayed by ArcticNet’s membership, with sessions covering a wide range of important topics in natural sciences, social and health sciences, engineering, and knowledge transfer and co-production. International panels discussed subjects such as how to tailor polar weather and climate information to address diverse user needs; community-based monitoring programs; transportation and infrastructure; changing ecosystems and environments; and traditional knowledge inclusion.

The conference included its awards ceremony, with some presented during the week, and others as part of Arctic Change 2020’s official concluding ceremonies. The ArcticNet Student Association (ASA) presented their mentorship award in partnership with APECS Canada to Dr. LeeAnn Fishback. Polar Knowledge Canada presented their Northern Science Award to Dr. Wayne Pollard. Thirteen poster award winners were announced. The winners, in order, of the ArcticNet “terrestrial” category were 1) Danielle Nowosad, 2) Cory Savage and 3) Joe Boyle. The winners, in order, of the ArcticNet “marine” category were 1) Pascale Caissy, 2) Veronica Coppolaro, and 3) Lisa Matthes. The winners, in order, of the ArcticNet “social & health” category were 1) Zander Chila, 2) Jason Carpenter, and 3) Melissa Weber. Maeva Gauthier was announced as the winner of the Inuit Partnership of Excellence Poster Award. Lastly, Arctic Science’s winners for the “Poster to Publication” awards were Carolyn Bonta for terrestrial, Tonya Burgers for marine, and Jason Carpenter for social & health.

The virtual format was an interesting challenge to overcome: with speakers and attendees watching from around the world with vastly different bandwidth and internet quality, technical difficulties could have been a risk. To ensure a smoothly functioning streaming experience and minimize disruptions, participants pre-recorded their panels and sessions, which were then played to viewers while the speakers participated in online chats and virtual breakout rooms. Conference partner Live It ensured all videos were edited and cued correctly, providing a seamless and professional viewing experience for attendees. While some participants were nervous to appear on camera, the format reduced unexpected logistical interruptions and was highly praised by many attendees.

Numerous partners, sponsors and exhibitors contributed to the conference’s success. The willingness of exhibitors to set up “virtual booths” despite the change in venue and format was greatly appreciated. The always-popular poster sessions went ahead in a new e-format, and a nightly video sewing circle hosted by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation provided a creative and personal end to each day.

While we hope for a resumption of in-person events before the next conference, the success of this year’s virtual format set a new standard for inclusion, diversity, representation and accessibility. We look forward to welcoming you back soon, either in person or with a hybrid format. In the meantime, please view our highlights video to enjoy the best of Arctic Change 2020: https://vimeo.com/489615322.

Graduate Student Poster Award Recipients

Social and Health Sciences – Chila Zander