NEWS The Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Embassy, Vincent Juillerat, visited Umeå University to discuss collaborations on the effects of climate change in the Arctic and the Alps. The focus was on the role of research in sustainable development, the integration of Indigenous knowledge, and global partnerships. The visit strengthens the ties between Switzerland and Sweden, paving the way for future collaborations in research and policy development.
On 9–10 December, Vincent Juillerat, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Embassy in Stockholm, visited Umeå University to engage with its leading Arctic research units. This visit underscored the shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration between Switzerland and Sweden, particularly in addressing climate change impacts on ecosystems, tourism, and geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic and Alpine regions.
Switzerland and Sweden, though geographically distinct, face similar environmental and societal challenges in their Arctic and Alpine regions. These include the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, sustainable tourism, and integrating Indigenous knowledge into policymaking. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dieter Müller welcomed Juillerat, emphasising Umeå University’s strategic role in Arctic research and its potential to drive collaborative solutions.
“Arctic research requires global partnerships to succeed. Through dialogue with international actors like the Swiss Embassy, we strengthen the connections needed to address the complex challenges facing the Arctic today,” said Dieter Müller.
Arctic research requires global partnerships to succeed
Juillerat’s visit provided a comprehensive overview of Umeå University’s contributions to Arctic research, highlighting its leadership in the Arctic Six network and its role as the new host of the European Polar Board. These initiatives exemplify the university’s commitment to linking research, policy, and sustainable development.
Keith Larson, director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University.
ImageMattias PetterssonThe program featured a keynote discussion by Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre, who highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to Arctic challenges. Larson’s presentation explored how collaborative research can inform policy and drive solutions in the rapidly changing Arctic environment. This discussion set the stage for a broader exchange of ideas between Umeå University researchers and their Swiss counterparts.
Pär Byström, Director of the Climate Impacts Research Centre, provided a detailed analysis of climate change effects on Arctic ecosystems. He emphasised the interconnected changes in temperature, precipitation, and vegetation, linking these to Arctic lakes' browning and fish communities' shifts. Byström also stressed the increasing importance of winter research in understanding these dynamics.
A significant focus of the visit was integrating Indigenous knowledge into Arctic research. Kristina Selin MacNeil presented the work of Várdduo – Centre for Sámi Research, Sweden’s only Sámi research centre. She highlighted the importance of incorporating Sámi culture, history, and language into studies of the Arctic, particularly in addressing contentious regional issues. Juillerat expressed a strong interest in the challenges of recognising Indigenous perspectives and rights in policymaking.
“The inclusion of Indigenous knowledge is crucial for developing sustainable and equitable Arctic policies,” noted Keith Larson, underscoring Várdduo’s contributions to interdisciplinary approaches and policy-relevant research.
Dieter Müller drew parallels between the Arctic and Swiss Alps' tourism sectors, emphasising the need for sustainable strategies in these environmentally sensitive regions. Additionally, Paul Schmidt addressed the Arctic’s growing geopolitical significance, highlighting the importance of fostering stability and international cooperation.
Linda Lundmark showcased the Arctic Graduate School, an initiative preparing early-career researchers to tackle the Arctic's complexities through innovative, interdisciplinary approaches.
The visit concluded by reaffirming the shared interests and mutual goals between Switzerland and Sweden. Both countries recognise the critical role of research in addressing global environmental and societal challenges. The dialogue reinforced Umeå University’s position as a hub for Arctic research and a key player in fostering international partnerships.
Looking ahead, the Swiss Embassy and Umeå University aim to explore joint activities to strengthen our shared research agendas.