Workshop Overview and Objectives
The two-day workshop was held 27-28 August 2018 at Pinngortitaleriffik, the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, in Nuuk, Greenland. Participants were from the U.S. (19) and Greenland (29) and represented diverse backgrounds, disciplines, institutions, and government agencies. Collectively this group represents an initial U.S.-Greenland research network and is a valuable resource for points of contact (see Participant List). The group was enthusiastic about working together and optimistic that future research co-led by scientists from Greenland and the U.S. would be mutually beneficial. Participants agreed that more can be done by individuals, institutions, and funding agencies to overcome barriers for implementation of joint projects.
To explore future possibilities, participants learned about research organization and infrastructure in Greenland, participated in interactive panels and discussed how to develop and facilitate successful collaborations. In addition to structured meetings, participants interacted during an outreach event at Katuaq and during communal meals with local foods from Greenland.
The overarching goal of the workshop was to set priorities for future work and funding. The following questions were considered:
Research and Co-produced Research: How can we increase U.S.-Greenland collaborations on research projects in Greenland? What are the mechanisms through which scientists find collaborators in Greenland or the U.S.? What funding can be provided in support of joint projects? What infrastructure or processes would support increased and high-quality collaborations?
Public Outreach: What are the best practices for researchers to approach community outreach? What institutions or infrastructure in Greenland can help support community outreach? How can the U.S. and Greenland work to improve community relations?
Education and Student Training: What are the existing frameworks in support of U.S.-Greenland student exchange and training? Through what pathways can a Greenland student receive research/scientific training in the U.S. and vice versa? What training will help prepare future generations for collaborative work?
Read more about the background and development of the Nuuk workshop.
Schedule
Monday 27 August: Day 1 of Workshop
08.30 – 10.30 Research Organization and Infrastructure
Participants were welcomed by Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and then learned about research organization and infrastructure in Greenland and the U.S. through a series of presentations.
11.00 – 12.30 Co-Production: Knowledge and Research
A panel of six experts from Greenland and the U.S. shared experiences with co-producing knowledge and research. A Q & A allowed time for all workshop participants to consider how they could adopt a co-production model in their own work.
15.00 – 17.30 Public Outreach Event at Katuaq
This feature event was opened with remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Carla Sands. Following her remarks, researchers from the U.S. and Greenland shared science with the local community at Katuaq, Nuuk’s Cultural Center. The format included scientific posters, hands-on displays, and presentations. This event was followed by a reception hosted by Naalakkersuisut.
Tuesday 28 August: Day 2 of Workshop
08.30 – 09.30 The roles of Arctic Universities in Community Engagement and Education
University leaders from Greenland and the U.S. led a discussion about the role of institutions in facilitating engagement with communities (research, education and outreach).
10.00 – 12.30 Participant Contributions: Outreach, Education, and Co-Production
Workshop participants from Greenland and the U.S. gave brief presentations about projects related to the workshop topics.
13.30 – 17.30 Breakout sessions and meeting wrap-up
These forward-thinking sessions solicited participant input to frame the workshop report, including recommendations and priorities for future work. Day 2 concluded with a group dinner hosted by Dartmouth.