PhD Course

Arctic Future Pathfinders: A journey through the Northwest Passage (MNF-8001)

The course provides a space to study the future of the Arctic. In an interdisciplinary setting, participants analyze environmental changes and socio-economic impacts of the past, identify driving trends, and imagine possible, probable, and preferable alternative futures of the Arctic The emphasis is on the future in the medium and long-term perspective.

Please note that the information about "admission requirements" & "applicaiton deadline and how to apply" is valid only for applicants enrolled at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Admission of applicants from selected partner universities will be in the spring semester 2025. More information will be available soon.

Also note that the offering of this course is subject to the completion of all necessary institutional permits and approvals. While every effort is being made to secure these permissions in a timely manner, the university reserves the right to modify, delay, or cancel the course based on the status of these approvals.

The Arctic faces rapid changes due to accelerated climate change, affecting ecosystems, local communities, and traditional lifestyles. Melting sea ice opens new transport routes, creates possibilities for resource extraction, and generates increased international interest. Other change drivers include technological development, migration, tourism, demographics, and geopolitics. As such, the future of Arctic social-political systems and natural environments is highly uncertain, with climate change and resource-driven activities leading to continued and unprecedented circumstances such as regular shipping traffic through the Arctic Ocean, military and extractivist endeavours, and transforming Indigenous and local societies. While various organizations have produced visions of the future for the Arctic, a challenge remains in capturing the full "possibility" space of change. Imagining this space is crucial to prepare for and mitigate the unprecedented phenomena, fostering sustainable development, preserving ecosystems, and strengthening Indigenous and local communities. Training in imagining this “possibility” space of change is essential for developing innovative and adaptive solutions to future challenges.

The course provides a space to study the future of the Arctic. In an interdisciplinary setting, participants analyze environmental changes and socio-economic impacts of the past, identify driving trends, and imagine possible, probable, and preferable alternative futures of the Arctic. The emphasis is on the future in the medium (7-20 years) and long-term perspective (>20 years).

The course is designed to be project-based and with an overarching focus on developing inter- and transdisciplinary skills, critical futures-thinking competences, personal reflections, and collaborative practice. Indigenous and traditional knowledge and perspectives, conventional science, and societal challenges at large are integrated in the course content. The target audience is students and doctoral candidates who are socially engaged, robust, curious, and wish to be part of the solution to major societal challenges related to climate change and sustainable use of the ocean (in a broad sense).

The main part of the course will take place on board the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl, during navigation through the Northwest Passage as part of the One Ocean Expedition II. The voyage is divided in two legs: Nuuk, Greenland - Cambridge Bay, Canada (approx. 21 days) and Cambridge Bay, Canada - Anchorage, US (approx. 30 days). During each leg, 60 course participants will be onboard the vessel. All course participants will be sailing trainees and will be enrolled in the daily routines of the crew and are required to play an active role on board. All course participants will be involved in research activities about teaching and learning onboard as well as in outreach activities. During these activities, pictures and audio-video recordings will be taken. Living and studying onboard will facilitate active, authentic, and experiential learning. Working in teams will highlight the importance of cooperation whether sailing a tall ship or contributing towards a sustainable future.

(v.13.09.2024)

Knowledge

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe in a proficient way key concepts and historical developments related to climate change and its impact on the Arctic region and the role of the ocean in sustainable development from a global perspective.
  2. Explain comprehensively the primary drivers of change in the Arctic, including technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and environmental, social, and economic factors.
  3. Identify and interpret several weak signals to anticipate emerging trends and potential disruptions in the Arctic.
  4. Differentiate rigorously between various future scenarios for the Arctic, evaluating the potential outcomes and impacts on social systems and natural environments.
  5. Assess in highly advanced terms the feasibility and implications of proposed Arctic futures, considering ecological preservation, Indigenous and local communities thriving, and geopolitical stability.
  6. Explain basic nautical terms and expressions including rigging, sails and ropes.

Skills

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the Arctic from a social-ecological complex adaptive systems perspective using expert terms.
  2. Synthesize in an advanced critical way input from various disciplines and diverse knowledge systems to imagine and develop rich inter- and transdisciplinary descriptions and narratives of various Arctic futures.
  3. Use critical perspectives in a relatively highly advanced way to address power dynamics, environmental justice, and socio-political implications of the imagined futures.
  4. Implement at a high international standard and evaluate a complex research project alone or in collaboration with peers, independently.
  5. Demonstrate multicultural and multimodal communication skills by presenting findings to varied audiences through recognized Norwegian and international channels.
  6. Participate in sail setting and trimming, basic navigation and watch procedures.

Competences:

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the processes of inter-/transdisciplinarity in a highly advanced way.
  2. Demonstrate effective inter-/transdisciplinary collaboration by working independently in diverse teams to address complex Arctic issues.
  3. Demonstrate high cultural sensitiveness in the interaction with peers, academic staff, crew, locals, and guests onboard the vessel.
  4. Provide constructive feedback and conduct peer-reviews verbally and in written form.
  5. Develop and propose in expert terms innovative, actionable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive strategies for sustainable and equitable futures in the region.
  6. Starting from own background and context, critically reflect on and articulate own positionality, independently.
  7. Reflect critically over own role in an interdisciplinary group and over own development.

10 ECTS

10*25 h = 250 hours of participation effort, out of which around 38 h before the expedition and around 38 h after the expedition

Autumn 2025.

The course will start in June 2025 and end in November 2025.

The course will run twice, as part of the OneOcean II Expedition through the Northwest Passage, with the intensive onboard part in August 2025 (navigation from Nuuk, Greenland to Cambridge Bay, Canada) and September 2025 (navigation from Cambridge Bay, Canada to Anchorage, Canada).

Interdisciplinary. Open for all disciplinary backgrounds (biology, technology, engineering, computer sciences, law, social sciences, business and economics, arts and humanities, health sciences, etc.). The course cannot be taken as singular course.

-----NOTE THAT THIS INFORMATION IS VALID ONLY FOR UIT PHD CANDIDATES. INFORMATION FOR PHD CANDIDATES FROM OUTSIDE UIT WILL COME LATER.-----

This course is open for PhD candidates in the 2nd, 3rd, and, if they have 4 years contracts, 4th year of their PhD (at the course time - Autumn 2025). The applicant must be admitted to a study program at the time of application and have active status until December 2025.

General admission requirements at UiT for the PhD courses apply. PhD candidates must document their PhD status with a written confirmation from their institution. The course is open for any disciplinary background (biology, technology, engineering, computer sciences, law, social sciences, business and economics, arts and humanities, health sciences, etc.).

Maximum 60 participants will be selected for each leg of the expedition (Nuuk - Cambridge Bay, Cambridge Bay - Anchorage). The number of PhD candidates accepted to the course will be relative to the number of applications overall (doctoral fellows and others).

 -----NOTE THAT THIS INFORMATION IS VALID ONLY FOR UIT PHD CANDIDATES. INFORMATION FOR PHD CANDIDATES FROM OUTSIDE UIT WILL COME LATER.-----

Applicants must apply for admission by 31st of October 2024. To apply, register your interest here, and you will receive the application link in the submission confirmation.

StudentWeb will open mid June 2025. Applicants who are granted a seat must register for classes and exam in StudentWeb by the end of June 2025.

Applicants must submit the following items in one single file. All the text must be written in English.

  1. Declaration of integrity/authenticity. The document must include a signed statement affirming that the submission files are the applicant's own work (except the Letter of recommendation), with no external or Artificial Intelligence assistance. Consequence for false declarations is disqualifying the applicant from the course.
  2. Curriculum Vitae (max 1 page, A4). The document must include sections on education, work experience, skills, publications (if applicable), awards and honours, and any other information the applicant finds relevant.
  3. Motivation letter (max 2 pages, A4, font Calibri, size 11, normal margins, single space), including (but not limited to) a reflection over:
    • applicant’s values, career goals, and the relevance of the course;
    • the impact of the course on the societal role of the applicant;
    • the challenges they foresee with staying one month away from home under the special circumstances on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl;
    • personal fitness to the course (in terms of skills, qualities, knowledge, etc.).
  4. Description of the applicant’s involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and community service (max 1 page, A4, font Calibri, size 11, normal margins, single space). The document should highlight specific examples, roles, and outcomes, focusing on leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility.
  5. Portfolio of items (min 3 items, max 5 items; preferably from the last 5 years) showcasing the applicant’s relevant work, projects, research (e.g., academic papers, creative projects, technical reports), and any other work that demonstrates their skills and knowledge, or interest in the field. Besides the respective item(s), the portfolio should include a max 150 words description of each item and of their relevance.
  6. Individual learning plan (max 2 pages, A4, font Calibri, size 11, normal margins, single space) that includes:
    • proposal for research to be implemented during the course (note that admission in the course does not guarantee that this specific research proposal will be implemented during the course);
    • description of individual development as part of the course (in terms of skills, competences etc.);
    • personal envisioned contribution to the learning environment of the course.
  7. One letter of recommendation from a professor, mentor, or employer, who can attest to the applicant’s abilities, work ethic, and suitability for the course. The letter should be specific and refer to the academic performance, personal qualities, and relevant experience of the applicant.
  8. Confirmation that participation in the course is approved by the PhD supervisor.
  9. Copy of identity document. In the case of non-Norwegian applicants, this document must be the passport.

Applications that are incomplete, that do not follow the formal requirements, or that are not customized for this course will be disregarded.

Successful applicants will have to provide a medical certificate from a certified seafarer’s doctor after admission.

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, the selection of students will be made according to the following criteria that apply to individual applications relative to the number of applications in general:

  • CV; motivation letter; the applicant’s involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and community service; portfolio of items; individual learning plan; and letter of recommendation
  • Indigenous diversity
  • Academic diversity
  • International representation
  • Gender diversity

An interdisciplinary admission committee including faculty and student representatives is responsible for the admission process. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview.

None

English

This course is based on active learning methods, where the participants play a key role in their learning. Participants will work in groups, with individual and group assignments.

These are the teaching methods that will be employed during the course:

  • Expedition on board sailing vessel Statsraad Lehmkuhl during the One Ocean Expedition II
  • Flipped classroom (among others, this means that course participants will have to work with the course before coming onboard the ship)
  • Lectures, seminars, workshops
  • Futures studies techniques & worldbuilding
  • Hackathon
  • Peer-teaching/peer-feedback

All course participants will be sailing trainees and will be enrolled in the daily routines of the crew and are required to play an active role on board. The course participants will be divided into three watches and everyone will be on duty twice for four hours each day, also during the nights. When on watch, the participant can get assigned to one of the following tasks: man the helm, look out and man over board watch, or fire watch. Those who are not on any task will be guided by the watch leader and set sails or get other training.

Although being a sailing trainee will be a large part of the course, the main focus of our teaching and learning will be on achieving the intended learning outcomes of the course.

The course will be intensive during the period on board the vessel.

There is compulsory attendance during the part of the course that takes place on board the vessel, including active participation in sailing duties.

Approved compulsory assignments are required.

Portfolio assessment.

Items to be included in the portfolio:

  1. Personal reflections before the expedition (individual work)
  2. Description of hackathon solution(s), as developed on board (group work)
  3. Research report (individual or group work)
  4. Personal and group journal (written or video) (individual and group work)
  5. Personal reflections after the expedition (individual work)
  6. Outreach items (as agreed with the course coordinator) (individual and group work)

Pass/Fail

To take the final examination, the participants must have passed the following coursework requirements (these will be marked as approved/not approved):

  • Mandatory preparation before coming onboard: engagement with course material and online assessment test(s). Documentation: personal declaration, uploaded in Canvas or WiseFLOW.
  • Online assessment test(s) before coming onboard. Documentation: results of the assessment test(s) uploaded in Canvas or WiseFLOW.
  • Safety course, to be given onboard and/or on land/online.
  • Mandatory attendance during the expedition, including active participation in sailing duties. Documentation: (signed) presence sheets for some activities.
  • Participation in hackathon(s) during the expedition. Documentation: (signed) presence sheets.
  • Peer-teaching & peer-feedback during the expedition. Documentation: (signed) presence sheets.
  • Participation in outreach tasks during the expedition or after (e.g., blog posts, social media posts, pictures). Documentation: short report on outreach tasks.

In extraordinary cases (e.g., severe seasickness), an equivalent activity will be decided by the course coordinator.

Will be given by the course coordinator.

There will not be a re-sit exam in this course.

Students on board a ship
Photo: Statsraad Lehmkuhl / Malin Kvamme