Leading the Arctic Centre into a new era of collaboration and impact

Climate ecologist tries to understand the impacts of climate change in the Arctic

Keith Larson shares his own research, and his vision for Arctic research.

Today, as the Director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University, Keith continues to ask these critical questions with an even broader scope: understanding how climate change impacts the Arctic and its people and how researchers from diverse disciplines can work together to address these challenges.

Keith took up the position of Director in 2022, moving from the tiny alpine village of Abisko, where he had worked at the Climate Impacts Research Centre (CIRC), to the bustling campus of Umeå University. Under his leadership, the Arctic Centre collaborates in several networks, coordinates several initiatives with researchers, and hosts graduate students, connecting those with an Arctic focus across the university's faculties—from natural sciences to social sciences and the humanities.

Bringing the European Polar Board to Umeå

During 2024, Keith has, in his role as the director for the Arctic Centre, spearheaded a significant development for the Arctic Centre: the relocation of the European Polar Board (EPB) and the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO) to Umeå, Sweden. This move brings a vital hub of European polar research coordination to the country, strengthening Umeå University’s role as a key player in the Arctic research landscape and increasing Sweden’s influence on European polar initiatives.

“Bringing the EPB and EPCO to Umeå is an incredible opportunity for both Sweden and the Arctic Centre,” Keith explains. “It allows us to deepen our collaborations, build new partnerships across Europe, and work together more effectively on the pressing challenges facing the Arctic. I’m excited to see what we can achieve as a community.”

A vision for Arctic Research Collaboration

Keith’s focus on collaboration and transdisciplinary research has shaped his vision for the Arctic Centre as a "Connectivity Hub"—a place where ideas and expertise flow across disciplines to address Arctic issues from multiple perspectives.

"CIRC in Abisko was an amazing place to be," he reflects, "but it was largely focused on one discipline—natural sciences. Here in Umeå, we have the advantage of being able to bring together researchers from the humanities, social sciences, medical sciences, and beyond. Everything is within walking distance on campus, which means ideas can travel easily between departments and faculties. Sometimes, the best solutions emerge when we co-create ideas from these diverse fields."

Public Outreach and the Societal Impact of Arctic Research

Keith firmly believes that Arctic research should not be limited to the academic sphere but should have a meaningful impact on society at large. He sees public outreach as an essential component of the Arctic Centre’s mission.

"It’s not enough for our research to be ‘interesting.’ We need to ensure that it has relevance to the stakeholders, policymakers, and communities in the Arctic and beyond,” he says. “The Arctic Centre should take a leading role in communicating what our researchers are doing and helping them to connect with the people who live in the region and the politicians who make decisions that affect the future of the Arctic.”

There is a real hunger for knowledge about the Arctic and climate change. People want to know what’s happening and what they can do about it

Throughout his nearly ten years at Umeå University, Keith has witnessed firsthand the public’s growing interest in Arctic science. He has given more than a hundred talks to upper secondary students, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and journalists, sharing his work and the importance of understanding the impacts of climate change in the Arctic.

“There is a real hunger for knowledge about the Arctic and climate change. People want to know what’s happening and what they can do about it,” Keith notes.

As Keith looks to the future, he remains committed to expanding the Arctic Centre’s role as a hub for transdisciplinary research and collaboration.

“Our goal is to create more impact with our research by bringing people together—across disciplines, across borders—to work on the major challenges of our time,” he says. “Collaboration is key, and I see the Arctic Centre as playing a crucial role in facilitating those connections and supporting projects that have real-world relevance.”
 
With over a decade of experience in Arctic research, Keith’s leadership marks a new chapter for the Arctic Centre—one that emphasises collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to ensuring that Arctic research benefits not just the academic community but society as a whole.