Following her election as new Rector of the University of Bergen, Margareth Hagen is the new chair of the Hub´s Adisory Board. We also welcome 2 additional new members to our Advisory Board.
University of Bergen rector Margareth Hagen is the new chair of the Advisory Board of AE-Bergen Knowledge Hub.
Only 2 days earlier, on May 25th, rector Margareth Hagen signed a renewed contract between Academia Europaea and UiB. The contract states that UiB will continue to host and facilitate the Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub for the next 4 years.
— I look very much forward to take on the role as chair of the Advisory Board of the AE-Bergen Hub. The Hub’s focus on sustainability issues, marine and arctic topics aligns very well with the strategic plan of the University of Bergen, rector Margareth Hagen said during the digital contract signing ceremony.
— In these strategically important areas, as well as other areas, I see potential for synergies both between different research disciplines, between our institution and other hubs, and with the Academia Europaea at large, she added.
Professor Marja Makarow leaves our Board as she takes over as president of Academia Europaea.
As Margareth Hagen joins the Advisory Board of the AE-Bergen Hub as chair, she is also joined by two other new board members, namely Prof. Kirsten Drotner of the University of Southern Denmark and Prof. emer. Carl G. Gahmberg of the University of Helsinki, Finland. In addition to securing representation for all Nordic countries in the Advisory Board, the new members also provide expertise in the fields of media (Drotner), and molecular and integrative biosciences (Gahmberg).
Margareth Hagen replaces former rector of UiB, Dag Rune Olsen, as chair of the Advisory Board. Other outgoing members are Prof. Marja Makarow, director of Biocenter Finland. The AE-Bergen Knowledge Hub wishes to thank our outgoing Advisory Board members for their excellent contributions.
Arctic Frontiers Science 2022 will take place on 31 January – 3 February 2022, and is now calling for abstracts from scientists with projects connected to the Arctic.
Arctic Frontiers will host five science sessions, described in detail here. As a partner of the Arctic Frontiers Conference, the AE-Bergen Hub can cover expenses for 2-3 scientists/scholars or students who want to participate the Arctic Frontiers Conference 2022. Application details will be available in early autumn.
Arctic Frontiers Science conference is traditionally international and multidisciplinary, bringing together social sciences, humanities, physical and life sciences. The Arctic Frontiers Science is focusing on both fundamental and solution-oriented research with strong impact, which addresses growing societal challenges and needs in the Arctic region. Arctic Frontiers Science is developed with the guidance of the Strategic Science Committee of Arctic Frontiers.
The abstract submission system will be open on the Arctic Frontiers website later this month. The abstract submission deadline is 1 September 2021. Further updates and information will be published on this page.
The annual report of the Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub for 2020 is now available to download from our website. The report shows an active year, despite Covid restrictions. The AE-Bergen Hub participated in 7 live events before the pandemic, and 1 live event (Rosendal Week) during the relative easing of restrictions in August.
The Hub also participated in several digital events during 2020.
Several organisational developments took place, such as the establishment of a not-for-profit- company to be able to organise and coordinate activities e.g., for project management within Horizon Europe. Our nomination of Rebecca Cox to the SAM (Scientific Advice Mechanism) expert group on ‘How can Europe ensure adequate management of and better preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics in the global context?’ resulted in her participation as expert consultant for the report commissioned by the EU.
The AE-Bergen Hub annual report will also give indications of the key elements in our soon-to-be-finalised Strategy Plan.
— This collaboration and partnership will help the University of Bergen to maintain a strong link to European policy development in the coming years, rector Margareth Hagen said during the signing ceremony for the new 4 year-contract between Academia Europaea and UiB.
A recording of the contract ceremony is available on the link above.
The contract means that UiB will host and facilitate the Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub for the next 4 years. UiB has been hosting the Hub since 2016.
Present at the digital ceremony was, representing Academia Europaea (AE): David Coates, Executive Secretary of AE, Sierd Cloetingh, President of AE, and the Academic Director of the AE-Bergen Hub, Eystein Jansen. University of Bergen was represented by rector Margareth Hagen. The contract was signed by AE President Cloetingh and by rector Hagen.
The event May 25th was chaired by Executive Secretary David Coates, who started the ceremony by outlining the history of the AE-Bergen Hub, from the beginning in 2014 and from UiB took over the host responsibilities in 2016.
The AE-Bergen Hub is the northern hub of Academia Europaea, covering the Nordic and Baltic states. An important task for the hub is to select and nominate scientists for SAPEA reports, evidence reports commissioned by the EU.
University of Bergen and AE-Bergen Knowledge Hub renewed it’s contract for 4 more years on May 25th.
Prof. Cloetingh highlighted the importance of the AE-Bergen Hub in this work. In addition, he presented the themes of the upcoming SAPEA reports, which will be “A systemic approach to the energy transition in Europe” and “Crisis Resilience”.
Best scientific evidence
— Academia Europaea seeks to provide the best scientific evidence for EU policy, and to connect academies and networks across Europe, as well as promote the role of science in policymaking, Prof. Cloetingh said.
Priorities for the AE-Bergen Hub are marine and Arctic issues, cooperation with SAPEA (Scientific Advice for Policy by European Academies), and advocacy for establishing independent national science advice mechanisms throughout our region, as well as sustainability issues.
Concerning the future of the AE-Bergen Hub, Academic Director Eystein Jansen made a point of the Hub and UiB´s new status as a linked 3rd party in the upcoming SAPEA+ project, creating new possibilities.
Rector of UiB, Margareth Hagen, closed the ceremony.
Engagement in careers of young scientists
— I am very pleased to sign this new contract with Academia Europaea, where UiB commits to being the host institution for the AE-Bergen Knowledge Hub for the next four years, Margareth Hagen said, noting that the collaboration will help the University of Bergen to maintain a strong link to European policy development in the coming years.
— I am also very pleased to see the engagement that AE has in the careers of young, European researchers, something that is very close to my heart, Margareth Hagen added in her closing remarks.
Rector Margareth Hagen is also the new chair of the Advisory Board of the Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub.
The Estonian Academy of Sciences, Tallinn University of Technology, the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research/University of Bergen and the Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub in cooperation with the Norwegian Embassy in Tallinn co-hosted the webinar “The Changing Arctic” on April 14th, a joint Estonian-Norwegian scientific event.
The webinar pointed towards further Estonian-Norwegian scientific cooperation in Arctic Research, and it also received media attention in Estonia.
Academic director at the AE-Bergen Hub, Eystein Jansen, gave an overview the Arctic/polar research landscape in Norway.
Academic director at the AE-Bergen Hub, Eystein Jansen, presented at the webinar. His presentation focused on recent evidence classifying the current climate changes in the Arctic as abrupt changes, compared to previous periods of climate change. He also gave an overview the Arctic/polar research landscape in Norway.
In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia writes:
The joint virtual seminar “The Changing Arctic” focused on scientific cooperation between the countries to deal, with climate change and other issues related to the Arctic. Estonian Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets and the State Secretary of Norway Audun Halvorsen made introductory statements. The seminar was opened by the President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences Tarmo Soomere, and Norwegian Ambassador to Estonia Else Berit Eikeland made welcoming remarks.
Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets said Arctic issues had a prominent place in the action plans of both Estonia and Norway. “As a country on the Arctic coast, Norway is a major scientific power in the Arctic, and we would like to learn from and cooperate with Norway in this field. Estonia is currently applying for observer status on the Arctic Council to contribute to the sustainable development of the Arctic.”
“Scientists are observing, interpreting and analysing rapid change in the Arctic,” Minister Liimets said. “Their message is clear: climate change is the challenge of our time and nowhere is it more obvious than in the Arctic. We can only get enough data to keep up with and adapt to change in the Arctic through joint measures and international cooperation. The Arctic ecosystem is vulnerable and it is the task of concerned countries to listen to scientists and work together.”
The webinar was moderated by Professor Maarja Kruusmaa, whose joint project MAMMAMIA with the University of Oslo looks at the mechanisms of accelerating land ice loss.
The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway Audun Halvorsen said that cooperation in Arctic research is crucial to adapting to climate change and developing new technologies that would contribute to sustainable jobs and the creation of values. “The rising temperatures in the Arctic are mainly caused by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions worldwide and not by human activity in the region. This means that we must set and meet global targets to improve the situation in the Arctic. And Norway is determined to do its part.”
At the webinar, scientists from Estonia and Norway gave a more detailed overview of the situation in the Arctic and the impacts of the Arctic climate change in the region and on ecosystems, and also presented their work and joint projects. The seminar reaffirmed the interest of both countries in continuing and boosting cooperation – the scientists of both countries are already involved in several projects. For example, TalTech’s Department of Geology and the Norwegian Polar Institute have been engaged in drilling and analysing ice cores in Svalbard.
The webinar was moderated by Professor Maarja Kruusmaa, whose joint project MAMMAMIA with the University of Oslo looks at the mechanisms of accelerating land ice loss.
The seminar was organised by the Estonian Academy of Sciences, TalTech and the Norwegian Embassy in Estonia. The programme was compiled by the Polar Research Committee of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research at the University of Bergen, and the Academia Europaea Bergen Hub. In addition to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing the polar cooperation of Estonia and Norway, the seminar also presented Estonia’s Arctic research expertise in light of Estonia’s bid for observer status on the Arctic Council.
The seminar is part of a series of events dedicated to the centenary of diplomatic relations between Estonia and Norway.
The webinar “Arctic Marine Operations and Shipping: Green Initiatives and Challenges”, organised by the Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub (AE-Bergen), Pacific Environment, University of Bergen, and Arctic Frontiers on April 7th 2021, is now available as a recording. In this article, you’ll also find selected highlights.
Major economies aim to be carbon neutral by 2050. Such an ambition implies an almost full transition away from using fossil fuels to power the transport sector, including maritime transport. How will the maritime Arctic be influenced by global responses to climate change? The webinar, organised by the Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub (AE-Bergen), Pacific Environment, University of Bergen, and Arctic Frontiers on 7 April 2021, addressed maritime transport in the Arctic and provided insights into a complex set of issues: the Arctic policy framework for marine safety and environmental protection; indigenous and conservation perspectives; green ship technology; marine infrastructure; and, what measures are needed to make Arctic marine operations and shipping more sustainable.
Jim Gamble (Director, Arctic Programme Director of Pacific Environment) chaired the webinar, and Eystein Jansen (Professor at the University of Bergen, the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research and Academic Director of Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub) served as a moderator.
In his presentation titled “Challenges and policies for Arctic marine operations and shipping”, Dr. Lawson Brigham highlighted the complexity of marine operations and shipping. Arctic marine operations should be discussed in the context of global changes and trends, as the Arctic cannot be separated from geopolitics, climate change, sanctions, and other regional and global processes. In many cases, the infrastructure deficit and lack of hydrographic, ocean, and meteorological data are challenging for safe operations. Implementation of the Polar Code will be critical in the following decades to ensure the safety of marine operations and environmental protection.
During the presentation entitled “The green transition for arctic shipping”, Morten Mejlænder-Larsen pointed out that the decarbonization pathways of shipping depend on regulatory and policy measures, fuel prices, and future seaborne trade demands. As of today, we are still far away from starting a transition.
During the webinar, several experts highlighted the lack of Arctic infrastructure as a barrier to the green transition within the maritime industry.
The transition is expected to be costly. LNG is already used, primarily for deep-sea shipping. Ammonia and methanol are among the most promising alternative fuels in addition to sustainably produced biofuels. When it comes to engine technology, hybrid engines are becoming a new standard these days and bring many advantages for operations in the Arctic.
According to Hege Økland (CEO, Maritime CleanTech), 90% of shipping emissions come from international shipping. Due to the long life span of vessels, shipbuilders need to foresee future the upcoming regulations at an early stage, when ships are being planned and constructed.
Russia is the largest Arctic country, and hence the drivers of the development of the Russian Arctic are of great interest. According to Arild Moe, Research Professor at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, it is essential to include Russian experts in the discussions focusing on the future technology and governance in Arctic shipping.
According to Dr. Moe, the primary traffic along the Northern Sea Route consists of destination shipping. The demand for international transit shipping remains somewhat unclear at this point as the economic benefit is uncertain.
Russia focuses on the development of Arctic transit shipping. While the Northern Sea Route is not a fully-fledged alternative to the Suez canal at the moment, it can serve as an option alongside the Suez as transit traffic picks up.
The Executive Director of the Bering Sea Elders Group, Mellisa Johnson, highlighted the concern that the local communities in Alaska have regarding the food safety of the locally produced food they harvest and trade. Increased shipping poses several environmental threats, such as risks of oil spills and disturbance of animals’ migration patterns. “The ocean is our grocery store. Marine vessel traffic can influence our way of life”, – said Melissa Johnson.
Dr. Sian Prior is a lead advisor at the Clean Arctic Alliance, which advocates for HFO (heavy fuel oil) free Arctic Ocean. Dr. Prior highlighted the concern that black carbon emissions have increased in the Arctic by 85% between 2015 and 2019. She further highlighted the need to switch to the other type of fuels. Such shift alone can account for a 40% reduction in black carbon emissions. The use of filters can reduce emissions even further. According to Dr. Prior, Arctic shipping can become a flagship for the rest of the world.
During the webinar, several experts highlighted the lack of Arctic infrastructure as a barrier to the green transition within the maritime industry. Regulatory aspects play a crucial role in the further implementation and scaling up of the existing technologies.
This webinar is the first step in a series of discussions ahead of the upcoming Arctic Frontiers 2022 conference. The work of Arctic Frontiers will traditionally facilitate pan-Arctic stakeholder engagement by linking business, policy, science, and society.
Furthermore, the theme of Arctic infrastructure will be among the core themes discussed during the conference in Tromsø in early 2022.
April 14th, 2021 at 09:00 (in Norway) / 10:00 (in Estonia)
The Arctic has gained increased interest over the last decade as global climate change continues to transform the region. Norway and Estonia are both maritime countries with a long history of polar exploration and research. Now we are looking into new opportunities of Arctic research cooperation. The webinar celebrates the 100th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Estonia and Norway.
The webinar celebrates the 100th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Estonia and Norway, and the Norwegian-Estonian cooperation in climate change under the EEA and Norway Grants. Researchers from Estonia and Norway offer an insight into the state of play and their work in the Arctic – the glaciers and the sea, the indigenous people and the governance, methane seeps, algal blooms and the fungi.
The Estonian Academy of Sciences, Tallinn University of Technology, the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research/University of Bergen and the Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub in cooperation with the Norwegian Embassy in Tallinn welcome you to a webinar on
The Changing Arctic – Strengthening the Arctic research cooperation between Estonia and Norway
on Wednesday, 14 April 2021 at 09:00 (in Norway) / 10:00 (in Estonia)
The AE-Bergen Hub is one of the co-organizers of the webinar: Arctic Marine Operations and Shipping: Green Initiatives and Challenges.
Major economies aim to be carbon neutral by 2050. Such an ambition implies an almost full transition away from using fossil fuels to power the transport sector, including maritime transport. How will the maritime Arctic be influenced by global responses to climate change?
What measures are needed to make Arctic marine operations and shipping more sustainable?
The webinar addresses maritime transport in the Arctic and will provide insights into a complex set of issues: the Arctic’s policy framework for marine safety and environmental protection; indigenous and conservation perspectives; green ship technology; marine infrastructure; and, what measures are needed to make Arctic marine operations and shipping more sustainable.
Program: The program includes two keynotes followed by a moderated panel-debate with keynote speakers and panelists. The panelists will all give brief introductions between the keynotes and the debate. There will be opportunities for registered participants to ask questions in the debate by chat. Biographies of the contributors can be downloaded here.
Participation: The webinar is free and open to all. But participation requires registration. Before the webinar starts, you must log in to the Arctic Frontiers conference platform. Press a green button “Join as participant” in the top right corner. If you participated in the Arctic Frontiers 2021 conference, please choose the “LOG IN” option; If not, please select the “SIGN UP” option (a two-step process, which will allow attending future Arctic Frontiers events). The registration is open, and we recommend login/sign up ahead of the event.
The webinar will be streamed in the auditorium (enter the door from the lobby). It will be possible to ask participants questions on the auditorium’s live wall, which will be activated during the event.
Should you have any practical questions regarding the conference platform, please contact Alexey Pavlov (alexey@arcticfrontiers.com) at Arctic Frontiers.
When: 7th of April 2021, CET: 18.00-20.00 (Norway) and AKDT: 08.00-10.00 (Alaska)
Chair: Jim Gamble, Arctic Programme Director of Pacific Environment
Moderator: Eystein Jansen,Professor at the University of Bergen, the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research and Academic Director of Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub
Keynotes:
Lawson Brigham, Wilson Fellow, Polar Institute of the Wilson Center Challenges and policies for Arctic marine operations & shipping (20 minutes)
Morten Mejlænder-Larsen, Director of Arctic Operations and Technology, DNV The green transition for arctic shipping (20 minutes)
Panelists:
Hege Økland, CEO at Maritime CleanTech Green global shipping, status on technological aspects (5-7 minutes introduction)
Arild Moe, Senior Research Fellow, The Fridtjof Nansen Institute Russian Arctic Shipping: Commercial and political drivers (5-7 minutes introduction)
Mellisa Johnson, Executive Director, Bering Sea Elders Group, Community perspectives on Arctic shipping (5-7 minutes introduction)
Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, Sustainable Arctic Shipping – priorities from an environmental group perspective (5-7 minutes introduction)
Several organisational developments took place, such as the establishment of a not-for-profit- company to be able to organise and coordinate activities e.g., for project management within Horizon Europe. Our nomination of Rebecca Cox to the SAM (Scientific Advice Mechanism) expert group on ‘How can Europe ensure adequate management of and better preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics in the global context?’ resulted in her participation as expert consultant for the report commissioned by the EU.
