St Andrews hosts Scottish Arctic Conference
The University of St Andrews was delighted to welcome over 60 colleagues for the 2026 Scottish Arctic Conference and ScAN Annual Meeting on 5–6 March. Across two days of panels, presentations and strategic discussions, the event highlighted the strength of Scotland’s Arctic research community—supported throughout by the the University of St Andrews Global Office, which leads the University’s engagement with UArctic and coordinated the event.
The programme opened with an Early Career Researcher panel on building a career in Arctic research, followed by welcomes from Sam Lister, Director of the Global Office and Chair of ScAN, and Brad Mackay, Deputy Principal and UArctic Board member. Attendees also heard an update from Lauren Johnstone of the Scottish Government on the review of the Arctic Connections Policy Framework, ahead of its publication later in March.
UArctic Secretary General Outi Snellman introduced the UArctic Thematic Networks, and we then heard from people involved in a wide variety of Thematic Networks, including international education, space, and art and design. The afternoon research showcase highlighted the diversity of Arctic scholarship across ScAN member institutions—spanning climate, community and culture; energy and sustainability; security and law; and water,—before delegates discussed interdisciplinary research and cooperation in these areas. In the evening, delegates gathered for a conference dinner in Lower College Hall. As well as networking and sharing perspectives across disciplines and institutions, Sam also gave an introduction to St Andrews’ connections to Fridtjof Nansen – Arctic explorer, University of St Andrews Rector and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Day two featured an update on ScAN’s progress, an introduction from UArctic’s Secretary General Outi Snellman on the role of Regional Centres, and a strategic planning workshop structured around ScAN’s four pillars: Research, Policy, Education and Connections. These discussions generated priorities that will shape ScAN’s next phase of development.
Reflecting on the event, Sam Lister, Director of the Global Office and Chair of ScAN, said:
“It was inspiring to welcome around 70 colleagues from across our member institutions and key partners to St Andrews, all coming together to celebrate the richness of Arctic related research and education happening across Scotland. From early career insights and policy discussions to a vibrant research showcase spanning environmental art history, climate science, northern tourism, international law, marine science, critical materials and more, the breadth and quality of work shared highlighted the strength of our community.
Critically, our event also focused on shaping the future of ScAN: gathering ideas, priorities and opportunities to support the next phase of our collaboration within UArctic and beyond. I look forward to building on this momentum as we continue strengthening Arctic collaboration in the year ahead. Thank you to all St Andrews colleagues who contributed to the conference.”
The Annual Meeting closed with network updates, including the departure of Early Career Representative Beth Langley, with recruitment for a new ECR representative to follow soon.
The 2026 conference reaffirmed the value of in‑person collaboration, with several member institutions now preparing additional smaller‑scale gatherings. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of UArctic and the Scottish Government, and the contributions of all presenters and attendees. Our Scottish Arctic Network intern Hayley McLennan, a School of Biology PhD student, and Joseph North did much to support on the conference, with the assistance of the Global Office events team, Mauireen and Ryan.
Further details can be found in the Day 1 and Day 2 conference posts on the ScAN website, or by contacting the Global Office.