Core values

Core values of the RUG are academic freedom, integrity, inclusiveness, sustainability and openness. The Arctic Centre considers these core values important for all its activities in research, education and outreach activities. Academic freedom, equality, integrity and openness are closely linked and are of particular importance for polar research, e.g. because of the sensitivity of climate research and respectful cooperation with Indigenous peoples. It is important to safeguard an independent academic position and attitude in developing and sharing knowledge about the changes in the Polar Regions. Academic freedom and independence are also of great importance when cooperating with policy makers. Research results can never be controlled or steered and all research results are publicly available.

As for diversity and inclusiveness, the gender balance and diversity in terms of national origin in the Arctic Centre (including PhD candidates) is good and continuous to receive attention in recruiting new staff members.

Sustainability occupies a central place in research and education, but with explicit differences in commitment to both Polar Regions. Roughly speaking, in the Arctic the emphasis is on a good balance between the 'green' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 'social and economic' SDGs, with healthy ecosystems being seen as the basis for achieving other SDGs. In the Antarctic, sustainable development is not the central goal of the governance system, but the emphasis is on comprehensive environmental protection and the preservation of the Region as a nature reserve, devoted to peace and science. Sustainability should, nevertheless, be incorporated when planning and conducting human activities in the Antarctic region.