The ARCTOS research network was established in 2002 after the initiative from scientists at The Norwegian College of Fishery Science/University of Tromsø (UiT), the Norwegian Polar Institute, UNIS (The University centre at Svalbard) and Akvaplan-niva. Later, scientists from the Institute of Geology (UiT), the Institute of Marine Research and Bodø University College have joined, as well as scientists in several other institutions in Norway. ARCTOS is organized with a secretariat at UiT, and with part of its administrative activities localized at UNIS, Akvaplan-niva and IMR.
The ARCTOS scientists conduct science over a broad range of marine ecology topics in the Barents Sea and around Svalbard, and in most of the northern waters. Several important institutions in Russia, North America and the EU are collaborating within the frame of ARCTOS, giving this research a pan-Arctic perspective. Research on the Norwegian side is financed through the Norwegian Research Council, EU-programmes, own institutional funding and support from the petroleum industry (StatoilHydro, ConocoPhillips, Eni and Total). ARCTOS is organised as a resesarch project based at the University of Tromsø.
Organisation structure
The ARCTOS research network has an open and horizontal structure, but some formal organisation structures are in place:
The Council consists of the leaders of the mother-institutions of ARCTOS. It has a superior role with regard to the promotion of ARCTOS when relevant, and shall assist the Scientific Steering Committee in the development of overall strategies for the research network. The Council also approves the annual plans and budgets for running activities within the network.
The Secretariat is responsible for the coordination of the day to day activities and consistes of the leader and deputy leader of ARCTOS, as well as the ARCTOS secretary. In addition, ARCTOS has to it disposition ½ secretary position at UNIS, ½ webmaster at APN, and ¼ secretary at IMR Tromsø.
The Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) is part of the day to day administration of ARCTOS, and is responsible for the scientific activities within the research network. The SSC takes initiatives for new joint projects, and the follow up of existing ones. It also acts as a guide to the secretariate, gives input to proposals to the Council, the PhD school, Arctic Frontiers etc.
Last Updated (Thursday, 19 February 2009 12:04)
Background
To the best of our knowledge, climate change will have effects on all aspects of life and natural resources in Arctic marine systems, from molecular to ecosystem level. The consequences will ultimately also have effects on the global carbon flux. However, despite circumarctic attempts to investigate the last "white spot" in the ocean, predominantly focusing upon the rim of the Arctic ice cover, our knowledge of marine ecosystems in this region is scarce. To meet the overall goals given in the Rio-Convention and Kyoto Protocol, underlying the aim of the Norwegian Minister of Environment, it is important to strengthen and improve marine research in the European sector of the Arctic.
The arctic marine ecosystem research network (ARCTOS) consists of five elements, of which the two last ones (Arctos Applied Science Forum and Arctic Frontiers) are formally separated from ARCTOS, with independent organisation structures.
Excellent marine Arctic research facilities of ARCTOS
ARCTOS has access to several excellent research facilities in the marine research environment in Tromsø. The laboratories and research platforms in Ny-Ålesund and UNIS (Longyearbyen) on Spitsbergen, and two ice-reinforced (ice class) research vessels Jan Mayen and Lance, gives ARCTOS unique access and possibilities for research in the Arctic. The research vessel Johan Ruud, and the smaller Hyas, are also available for research cruises in sub-polar areas. Tromsø Aquaculture Research Station is available for research on limnic- and marine species, and cool rooms with in situ temperatures and running seawater are available both at NCFS and in Ny-Ålesund. Additionally, there are several well-equipped, modern laboratories and two scientific libraries available through NCFS, NPI and APN.
