Join this Research Theme (Deadline: 1 November 2026)
 
 

Research Theme #X

Governing Increasing Mobilities in Arctic and Antarctic Regions

Keywords: Polar Mobilities; Marine Governance; Climate Change; Sustainability

 
 

Workshop Leaders (PIs)

 

José Barrena
Universidad de O'Higgins

Linda Lundmark
Umeå University

 
 

Research Theme Summary

Polar regions are experiencing rapidly increasing forms of mobility associated with climate change, tourism expansion, scientific research, maritime logistics, resource governance, and geopolitical interests. As Arctic Sea routes become more accessible and Antarctic visitation continues to grow, these mobilities are reshaping governance systems, environmental management practices, and human-environment relations across fragile marine and coastal ecosystems. At the same time, polar regions have become critical laboratories for understanding how societies respond to environmental transformation, uncertainty, and intensified global interconnections.

This Research Theme explores how expanding mobilities in Arctic and Antarctic regions challenge existing governance frameworks and require new interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability and cooperation. Bringing together scholars from the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and technical disciplines, the workshop will examine the interactions between environmental change, marine infrastructures, mobility systems, tourism, scientific operations, and policymaking in polar contexts.

The workshop particularly aims to foster comparative dialogue between Chilean and Swedish perspectives, connecting Antarctic and Arctic experiences through shared questions concerning governance, environmental stewardship, mobility regulation, and sustainable futures in polar seas. Through collaborative discussions and interdisciplinary exchange, participants will identify emerging research agendas, opportunities for international collaboration, and pathways toward more sustainable and equitable governance of increasing polar mobiliti

 
 

Desired Expertise

The workshop aims to attract researchers from a broad range of disciplines connected to polar regions, marine systems, and sustainability challenges. Relevant subject areas include climate science, oceanography, marine studies, environmental sciences, geography, human geography, sustainability science, tourism studies, mobility studies, political science, international relations, environmental governance, sociology, anthropology, environmental humanities, science and technology studies, infrastructure studies, and logistics and transport studies. The workshop particularly welcomes expertise related to Arctic and Antarctic governance, climate adaptation, maritime infrastructures, scientific operations, polar tourism, marine mobilities, environmental policy, and human-environment relations in rapidly changing polar regions.

 
 
 
 

About the ACCESS Forum & Research Themes (RTs)

  • The ACCESS Forum is an immersive, bi-national event held every 18 months that connects scholars across Chilean and Swedish member universities to address global societal challenges. Rather than functioning as a standard academic conference with passive presentations, an ACCESS workshop operates as an intensive, dedicated "working laboratory."

    Participants commit to a single Research Theme (RT)—a targeted, co-led scientific initiative aligned with the ACCESS Research Framework. Over four days of collaborative work sessions, interactive discussions, and co-design activities, participants remain with the same cohort to move research ideas from concept to action.

  • By joining our workshop cohort at the upcoming ACCESS Forum, you will:

    • Co-Develop Concrete Outcomes: Work directly toward joint academic publications, collaborative grant proposals (e.g., ANID, STINT, Horizon Europe), co-supervision of PhD candidates, etc.

    • Cross-Contextual Insights: Exchange datasets, methodologies, and local perspectives between Chilean and Swedish contexts.

    • Expand Your Network: Connect with senior researchers, Early Career Researchers (ECRs), and non-academic stakeholders across both research and innovation ecosystems.

  • To apply for a seat in this Research Theme workshop, please review the desired expertise above and complete the application form before the registration deadline.


    IMPORTANT: Applications from ACCESS member universities will be prioritize.

    Apply here by 1 November 2026: XXX