What can research tell us about young people, well-being and suicide prevention, Greenland’s architecture and colonial history, security policy, education and mosquitoes? Five researchers will each have five minutes to make us a little wiser when they compete in Paasisavut on 13 November 2026.
Arctic Hub can now reveal the five researchers who will take the stage at Katuaq. They will compete to see who can best communicate their research in a big live show hosted by Kimmernaq Kjeldsen.
From 21 applicants to 5 finalists
Arctic Hub received 21 applications for this year’s Paasisavut. Last week, a selection committee met to decide who would become the five finalists. All applicants are PhD researchers researching in or about Greenland. In Paasisavut, they compete to see who can best communicate their research in a way that everyone can understand.
“We’re incredibly excited to be able to present five very different stories about research. In just one evening, the audience can learn about topics they might never have sought out themselves. The finalists only have five minutes each, so their task is to make their research understandable, relevant and, not least, entertaining,” says Avijâja Rosing-Olsen, Head of Secretariat at Arctic Hub, the organiser of Paasisavut.
The five finalists of Paasisavut 2026 are:
ArnâraK’ Patricia Bloch studies the stories of young Greenlanders who have survived suicide attempts to gain a better understanding of what can protect young people from suicidal behaviour and strengthen their well-being.
Frederik Braüner studies architecture and urban planning during the modernisation of Greenland to better understand how Danish colonial policies shaped Greenlandic towns and housing.
Hans Peder Kirkegaard studies how Greenlandic politicians navigate the changing security policy landscape to better understand their role at a time of growing international interest.
Louise Pindstrup Scavenius studies the experiences of school pupils in Greenland to better understand how teaching and educational practices can support pupils’ learning.
Viktor Gårdman studies the role of mosquitoes in Greenland’s ecosystems to better understand their importance to nature and the interactions between species.
Research and entertainment in Katuaq
When the finalists take the stage at Katuaq, they will each have just five minutes to make the audience wiser about their research. But Paasisavut is more than five research presentations.
Kimmernaq Kjeldsen will host the show and guide the audience through an evening of research, competition and entertainment. Judges Ane Marie Ottosen, Nick Duelund and Minik Rosing will assess the finalists’ ability to communicate their research and ultimately select the winner of Paasisavut 2026. The winner will receive 50,000 dkk.
The show will also be broadcast live on KNR, allowing people across Greenland to follow along.
Paasisavut 2026 at Katuaq on November 13th is free to attend, and everyone is welcome. Tickets can be reserved from October 1st at Paasisavut.gl or via the event on Arctic Hub’s Facebook page.
Interpretation equipment providing Greenlandic and Danish interpretation will be available at Katuaq. On KNR, the show will be broadcast in Greenlandic, while KNR2 will broadcast the languages spoken on stage.
Facts: Paasisavut is Greenland’s research communication competition, organised by Arctic Hub.
Paasisavut is every two years and has previously taken place twice.
PhD students and recent PhD graduates conducting research on topics related to Greenland were able to apply for a place in the final from June 1st to September 1st. A total of 21 applications were received.
A selection committee with representatives from Greenland’s science and communication communities as well as Arctic Hub reviewed the applications and selected the final five finalists.
Previous winners of Paasisavut are Nick Duelund and Regine Møller.
This article discusses suicide and suicide prevention. If you need someone to talk to, you can contact Tusaannga free of charge and anonymously. The phone, text-message and chat services are open 24/7. Call 80 11 80, text 1899, or write via tusaannga.gl.