New research to contribute to sustainable development in the Arctic
Ten new research projects aim to strengthen sustainable development in the Arctic through a greater understanding of climate change and its impact on biodiversity, ecosystems, cultural heritage, and living conditions.
How can we support the sustainable preservation and management of reindeer in Greenland? How have past climate changes affected the Greenlandic ice sheet and the surrounding marine environments? How can we ensure the preservation of iconic Arctic species crucial to food security and economic stability in Arctic communities?
These are just some of the questions about to be explored in the ten research projects that have received support from Independent Research Fund Denmark.
»It is crucial that we maintain a strong focus on Arctic research, not only regarding nature and the environment but also, and to a great extent, the people and culture. Therefore, I am pleased to see such high interest and competition for funding, and that so many important and exciting projects can now take flight. I am also pleased because, in next year's research reserve, we have once again allocated funds to support even more essential research projects on the Arctic, « says Christina Egelund, Minister for Higher Education and Science.
The applications for the call were carefully reviewed and evaluated by the fund’s thematic committee, DFF | Thematic Research – Arctic research – Climate change and sustainable Arctic communities. Emphasis was placed on providing research opportunities across all major academic fields that can contribute to a sustainable development of the Arctic.
»These are some truly exciting projects that have received funding. The projects address the scientific processes related to climate change in the Arctic, Arctic ecosystems, and sustainable development and management in the Arctic, with a focus on Greenland, « says Thomas Ingeman-Nielsen, chair of the committee.
»This is the first time that Independent Research Fund Denmark is directly funding research in the Arctic area, and there has been significant interest with a total of 75 applications. There is a substantial opportunity to build capacity in this research area, which is crucial for understanding climate change and its impacts on those experiencing it most directly, « says Søren Serritzlew, chair of the board for Independent Research Fund Denmark.
Facts about the call ‘Arctic research – Climate change and sustainable Arctic communities’
Independent Research Fund Denmark received a total of 75 applications and awarded 40.6 million DKK to ten projects, resulting in a success rate of 13.3% based on the number of applications.
The program ‘Arctic research – Climate change and sustainable Arctic communities’ is part of the thematic allocations which is a political, strategic initiative within a particular theme open to contributions from all scientific fields that can provide knowledge on the topic. Thematic research serves as a supplement to independent research based on researchers’ own curiosity-driven initiatives.
Since 2018, Independent Research Fund Denmark has awarded research grants within politically determined themes funded by annual political agreements on the distribution of research reserves.
Reservations are made for changes in grant amounts and number of grants during the upcoming administrative budget review.