The purpose of the Northern Research Forum is to promote intensive dialogue among members of the research community and a wide range of other northern stakeholders. This dialogue addresses the critical issues, problems and opportunities facing circumpolar peoples in the context of social and environmental changes and economic globalization. The Forum provides an open meeting for policy-relevant discussion on the role of research in addressing issues of sustainable development, community viability, peace and security, social and environmental policy, and the impacts of global change. Developing the capacity to address these issues is central to the mandate of the University of the Arctic which has incorporated the Forum as one of its key programmatic activities. The main theme and integrated sub-themes of the 2008 meeting are under discussion and will be decided in fall 2007. The event will be organized by the Northern Research Forum, together with the 5th NRF Organizing Committee representing several US Federal and Alaskan state organizations, e.g. US Arctic Research Commission, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Office of the Governor of Alaska, Office of the Mayor of Anchorage and Alaska Native Science Commission.
The first NRF was held in Akureyri, Iceland in November 2000, the second in Veliky Novgorod, NW Russia in September 2002 and the third in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in Canada in September 2004. The fourth Open Meeting was held in Oulu, Tornio, Haparanda and Luleå in Sweden and Finland, October 5-8, 2006.
Organizers say that the First Call for Participation will be made shortly. An announcement from the UArctic will be made once that happens.
For more information on the NRF visit their website.