Exceptional educational and international research opportunities for Trent students and researchers involved in Northern Studies at Trent University are forthcoming after recent news that Trent University has been accepted as a member to the University of the Arctic (UArctic).  

"This is an important move for Trent University because UArctic is the network of scholars, educators, and students for northern populations," said Dr. Heather Nicol, acting director of the School for the Study of Canada at Trent, and a professor of Geography who specializes in security geopolitics, sovereignty and borders in the circumpolar North. "It demonstrates that we are being taken seriously for the work and research we are doing in the Arctic.”

Professor Nicol attended the 19^th Meeting of the Council of UArctic, held September 13 -16, 2016 in St. Petersburg, Russia, where the decision was officially made to accept Trent’s membership to UArctic.

UArctic is a cooperative network of more than 170 universities, colleges, and other organizations, across eight Arctic countries, who are committed to higher education and research in the North. Members share resources, facilities, and expertise to create post-secondary education programs that are relevant and accessible to northern students.

The membership will also bring with it new opportunities for Trent University students. “This is wonderful news for our students who will have access to more courses with a northern studies emphasis, as well as thematic networks of researchers that function through UArctic,” said Prof. Nicol. “Students who wish to experience life in a different region of the North will also have the opportunity to participate in mobility and exchange programs to study at another UArctic member institution."

As part of its involvement, Trent University will coordinate UArctic's circumpolar studies network in North America under the direction of Prof. Nicol.