How to get started: researcher

Researchers dogs Greenland sledgedog Arctic Hub

Hi and welcome!

We’re happy to see you! Based on requests we have received in the past, we have made this guide for you. We hope it will help you start your research project in Greenland !

Please note: this guide is not complete, but work in progress. 

1
Possible collaborators

Please make yourself known to our local research institutions. First, you should know Ilisimatusarfik – The University of Greenland, and Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, as they are Greenland’s two biggest research institutions. 

Visit our guide to find an overview of local research institutions and, as well as other organizations financing research in Greenland.

Furthermore, Greenland Research Council (NIS) works to promote research in Greenland. UArctic also provides you with information about research institutions and stations in Greenland. 

Our experience shows that it is essential to include local partners at an early stage of your project to ensure high quality of your collaboration & local engagement. Most institutions prefer to be involved early in the process, as to having an impact on the research design as well as practical aspects of the project. 

Contacting local partners just before finalizing your project proposal shows a low success rate. 

2
Local gatekeeper

You might have noticed, finding the right information can be quite hard, especially if you are not fluent in Greenlandic or Danish. That is why we recommend finding a local gatekeeper that can assist you with cultural knowledge and is fluent in the local languages/dialects. This position should also be a part of your budget.  

Until then, you could try to contact one of Campus Kujalleqs adventure guides, try with Campus Kujalleqs adventure guides and The University of Greenlands notice boards, as well as local tourism operators (visit Visit Greenland) 

3
Citizen involvement

Many research projects in Greenland build on citizen involvement. As Greenland has not yet its own set of ethical research guidelines, here you can find some general advice and best practice from the local research community: 

4
Accessibility

Weather and accessibility are highly dependent on where you are and which time of the year you visit Greenland. For an overview over Greenland climate, we can recommend hopping over to Visit Greenland.

The seasons also determine transportation, especially during winter. That is why most scientific work is gathered in June-September. 
Also, Danish Meterological Insititute provides you with marine forecasts, daily weather forecasts and ice charts. 

5
Funding possibilities

Please visit Greenlandic Research Council for a great register of funds. 

 

6
Research permits

Please be aware that certain research activities in Greenland need research permits. The Government of Greenland is the responsible authority. 

If you have any doubts, please contact the relevant ministry at the Government of Greenland or the research unit at forskning@nanoq.gl

7
Research infrastructure and logistics

Research infrastructure logistics is getting increasingly advanced in Greenland. www.isaaffik.org provides an overview of Arctic infrastructure as well as a platform for collaboration and synergies within the field of Arctic research and logistics. Create your ISAAFFIK profile here and take part!  

Kangerlussuaq is a popular destination, and Science Services Kangerlussuaq is guiding you.  

Narsaq Research Station is an independent research platform with a focus on cultural and scientific research in South Greenland. 

8
Where to meet Arctic Hub?

Stay updated by frequently visiting our event page and following us on LinkedIn. Arctic Hub actively participates in both local and international conferences, workshops and meetings which are related to Arctic research. We aim to attend the following major events when they take place.

  • Greenland Science Week
  • Arctic Science Summit Week
  • Arctic Congress
  • Arctic Circle Assembly

And of course, you can find Arctic Hub at our own annual event – Arctic Hub Connect – where we aim to establish an overview of research activities in Greenland across research disciplines and share with a broad range of stakeholders, e.g. citizens, public administration, business organizations.

If you have any recommendations or wish for us to attend an event, do a presentation or participate in other activities, please feel free to contact us at info@arctichub.gl or book a meeting with us.

9
Dissemination of results

We hope you are leaving a trace! Great ways to disseminate your results would be to contact these actors: 

  • Facebook groups for the different cities/regions 

Please note: this guide is by no means complete, but work in progress. If you have further questions, please book a meeting