CIFAR Forum on Radical Interdisciplinarity: Arctic Horizons
The Arctic stands at the confluence of global transformation and deep-rooted resilience.
As the region warms nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet, it becomes a bellwether for planetary-scale change — and a frontier for understanding the interconnected systems that define our shared future.
But the Arctic is not just a region under threat; it is a site of knowledge, agency and history. From questions of governance, international law and Indigenous rights to climate, ecology and industry, studying the Arctic involves embracing the complexity and bridging gaps between disciplines and peoples.
The CIFAR Forum on Radical Interdisciplinarity starts with the same basic premise that underpins CIFAR programs: the most interesting research questions necessitate an interdisciplinary approach to unpack and make progress toward. Through roundtable discussions and collaborative sessions, the Forum will explore the future of the Arctic through the lens of complex challenges, emerging research horizons and unique avenues of inquiry. We will bring together a highly diverse group of thinkers across disciplines, and by engaging with early-career researchers, we will actively involve the next generation in shaping future research directions.
In partnership with the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), the forum will be held from February 10 to 11, 2026 (arrivals on February 9; departures February 12) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Applications are now closed.
Contact us for more information.
Participants will:
- Engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary sessions and blue-sky brainstorming across themes;
- Network with other early-career researchers and a small panel of established researchers; and
- Form new collaborations, pitch new ideas and apply for seed funding following the meeting.
Held in partnership with the Swiss National Science Foundation, interested applicants must be within 10 years of receiving their PhD and hold a postdoctoral or faculty position based in Canada or Switzerland. Participants outside these jurisdictions who meet the career-stage criteria and who have participated in a CIFAR program may also apply. Applicants are required to submit a CV as well as describe how their research connects to the theme, their commitment to interdisciplinary research, and how attending the symposium would benefit their academic career.
Travel and accommodation for all successful applicants will be paid for by CIFAR.
Potential areas for discussion:
- Indigenous Sovereignty and Governance: How might Indigenous governance and sovereignty interact with state and international structures to shape Arctic futures for food security, health, and environmental stewardship?
- Environmental Impact: How do the cascading effects of permafrost thaw, such as infrastructure problems, coastal erosion, and shorter shipping routes, impact Arctic communities, wildlife, and security?
- Food Security: How might Arctic food systems adapt to climate-driven disruptions, shifting ecosystems, and global supply chain pressures? What role could Indigenous knowledge, governance, and sovereignty play in ensuring sustainable, resilient, and culturally grounded food futures?
- Arctic Governance: As melting ice reshapes access, governance, and geopolitical stakes in the Arctic Ocean, what new forms of “ocean democracy” could emerge to balance national interests and international cooperation?
- Extractive Industries: As resource extraction accelerates, how will Arctic ecosystems and communities be reshaped, and who will bear the social and environmental costs? How might extraction and development be reconciled with sustainability, decarbonization, and Indigenous sovereignty while sustaining economic growth?
- Technology: How might emerging technologies, (e.g. AI, remote sensing, and green shipping) as well as those yet to be discovered, reshape how we understand the Arctic and engage with it in research and daily life?
Selection:
Applicants are reviewed for basic eligibility, and then evaluated on how their research connects to the theme and their commitment to interdisciplinary research. CIFAR is committed to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment and research community. We encourage proposals that embrace the theme and aim to look for new avenues of inquiry.
Key dates:
Application deadline: November 12, 2025 (12 p.m. EST)
Notification of decision: December, 2025
Symposium dates: February 10-11, 2026
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