An innovative new grant project has been awarded to Trent University and the University of Edinburgh (UoE) to host the Northern Science, Northern Stories: An Exploration of Resilient Communities Summit in March 2024.  

Both universities are deeply committed to fostering resilience and sustainability in northern and remote communities and are members of the International Institute for Environmental Studies as well as the University of the Arctic. This collaboration, funded through the Scottish Government's Arctic Connections Fund for 2023-2024, along with in-kind funding from the Universities, marks a significant step in international knowledge sharing and collaboration. 

This initiative, launched in spring 2023 with funding from the Scottish government, builds on a collaborative relationship between the two universities spanning nearly eight years. The summit, happening March 11-14, 2024, aims to bring scientists, artists and Indigenous Knowledge Holders together to share knowledge on the impacts of climate change in Arctic regions.  

“This collaboration with the University of Edinburgh reflects Trent's commitment to innovative research, knowledge mobilization, and expanded international partnerships,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, vice president of Research and Innovation at Trent University. “The partnership will bring together a diverse group of experts, bridging connections between scientific knowledge, Indigenous Knowledge and artistic expression to tackle sustainability challenges in remote environments." 

Strengthening the Edinburgh-Trent research network will also be a key outcome of this Summit, with leadership from both institutions, including Dr. Margaret Graham of the University of Edinburgh and Dr. Heather Nicol of Trent University. 

The Canada-Scotland Summit will include workshops, panels, arts-based outputs, and a two-day field trip to the northern reaches of Scotland. Through these events, academic, Indigenous, cultural, and scientific experts will contribute to a deeper understanding of the impacts of climate change in Arctic communities, and consider forms of resilience in this context. 

This initiative aligns with Scotland’s Arctic Policy Framework (APF), acknowledging that while science is important for addressing environmental and social change, it is also crucial to broaden our scope and consider other types of knowledge – particularly creative and cultural forms.