Arctic Research and Teaching Consortium (ARCTIC)
Our story
Founded in the 1980s, the Arctic Research and Teaching Consortium (ARCTIC)—formerly the Tricampus Arctic Working Group—serves as the University of Toronto’s central hub for Arctic and northern research, teaching, and collaboration. ARCTIC brings together scholars and students from across the University to advance understanding of the Arctic and Subarctic regions through interdisciplinary research and engaged scholarship.
Our mission
ARCTIC is guided by three core objectives:
Advance the visibility and impact of northern research at the University of Toronto.
Attract and support students and faculty who view the North as a vital site of research and learning.
Foster interdisciplinarity by connecting a broad community of researchers across disciplines, campuses, and career stages.
What we do
To achieve these goals, ARCTIC maintains an active presence across all three University of Toronto campuses and supports the northern research community through a range of activities, including:
- Hosting and promoting lectures, seminars, and academic events focused on northern issues
- Circulating information on research opportunities, funding sources, and upcoming events
- Administering the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) funds
- Representing the University of Toronto at annual meetings of the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS)
- Serving as a clearinghouse for practical knowledge related to northern research, including permits, community consultation, logistics, and region-specific research requirements
ARCTIC operates as a flexible and responsive network. While members meet periodically, the consortium primarily uses email to share northern research news, manage NSTP grants, and disseminate information on funding, logistics, and policy developments affecting research in the North.
Through collaboration, coordination, and advocacy, ARCTIC strengthens the University of Toronto’s engagement with northern communities and research environments, supporting scholarship that addresses some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic today.
Research Clusters
Research Clusters bring together researchers from multiple disciplines to address complex challenges facing the Arctic.