ICARP IV Final Reports Define Priorities for Arctic Research

ICARP IV Final Reports Define Priorities for Arctic Research

The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) has released the final reports from the Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV), marking a key milestone in setting priorities for Arctic research over the coming decade. The reports were presented during the Arctic Science Summit Week 2026 in Aarhus, Denmark, and are now publicly available and  be downloaded directly on the ICARP IV website: https://icarp.iasc.info/publications/publications-icarp-iv

As stated in the official announcement on the IASC website:

“The Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV) process engaged broad communities, including Arctic researchers, Indigenous Peoples, policy-makers, residents and other stakeholders from all countries involved in Arctic research. Participants were tasked with identifying the most urgent knowledge gaps and research priorities for the next decade, and to recommend approaches to address these needs.  

The ICARP IV process was organised into seven Research Priority Teams (RPTs):

• RPT 1: The Role of the Arctic in the Global Earth System
• RPT 2: Observing, Reconstructing, and Predicting Future Climate Dynamics and Ecosystem Responses
• RPT 3: Understanding the Dynamics and Resilience of Arctic Social-ecological Systems to Foster Sustainable Futures
• RPT 4: Arctic Research Cooperation and Diplomacy
• RPT 5: Co-Production and Indigenous-led Arctic Research
• RPT 6: Education and Knowledge-Sharing In and About the Arctic: Research and Practice 
• RPT 7: Technology, Infrastructure, Logistics, and Services

The RPTs’ recommended research needs and priorities fall into six broad categories: 

• Addressing gaps in scientific understanding and modelling capabilities; 
• Improving research infrastructure and observation systems; 
• Mitigation and adaptation to changing conditions;
• How research should be conducted;
• Education and outreach; and
• Governance, policy, international collaboration, and funding systems. 

Indigenous Peoples’ engagement and leadership in research was a strong overarching theme across all RPTs, emphasising the importance of Indigenous-led research, co-producing knowledge, building equitable partnerships, and ensuring that research reflects the needs, rights, and perspectives of Arctic communities. The ICARP IV Report is intended for the Arctic research community at large and also for the public, policy-makers, and funders to help them understand where our knowledge is lacking and where investments are needed.  A Summary for Policy-makers and a Call for Action for Funders will be also available and published separately later this spring, focusing on outcomes and information usable by policy- and decision-makers and funders, respectively.”