Fostering convergence to address complex Arctic climate challenges: Identifying opportunities with the Navigating the New Arctic (NNA) Program
Tuesday, May 24 - 10:00am AKT / 12:00pm MT / 2:00pm ET
Convergence research brings together diverse participants to craft – together – new languages of understanding and form new perspectives and solutions pathways around complex societal challenges and opportunities. Convergence is an intentional, careful process requiring relationship building and open sharing of individual perspectives so that groups can create integrated pathways to make progress together, often towards community-level activities or applications. Rapid climate change in the Arctic is causing unprecedented environmental shifts that are intrinsically connected with complex social and community activities and concerns, from food security to infrastructure, conservation to geopolitics. The NSF-funded Navigating the New Arctic Community Office (NNA-CO) is supporting new and future Arctic-focused convergence research. One activity of support is development of four Convergence Working Groups that will bring together researchers, local experts, and engaged community representatives to work together on a focused, self-formed project; for example, hosting community workshops, creating shared Arctic Data Center portals, developing policy briefs, or crafting science storytelling products. The Convergence Working Groups themselves will attempt to apply convergence concepts and act as test beds and examples for best practices. The process for Working Group formation has already been available for community feedback, with an ongoing workflow aimed to solidify areas of focus and participation by early 2023. Join this webinar to find out more about convergence research, formation and activities of upcoming Convergence Working Groups, and broader opportunities for cross-community interaction within the NNA-CO.
Meeting to Discuss a Potential NNA Community-Research Liaison Network
Postponed - new date and time TBD
The NNA-CO, together with the ARC-NAV project, is hosting a virtual open meet-up to discuss interests and ideas for a possible future network of community research liaisons. Such a network could facilitate greater community-driven research with liaisons in leadership roles, create new opportunities for comparative work, and expand shared research infrastructure. The network could provide opportunities for greater coordination and training for liaisons and community members interested in taking on these roles in the future.
The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss possible goals, opportunities, and challenges for such a network. The meeting will include established community liaisons and research assistants, project PIs, NNA-CO representatives, and representatives from Arctic communities and organizations that are interested in discussing and sharing ideas.