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University of Groningenfounded in 1614  -  top 100 university
Research Arctic Centre Collaboration Arctic Council

SDWG Seminar

8 December 2025, 10:30 - 17:00, Groningen

Seminar Objectives

The primary objective of this seminar is to explore the expertise among Dutch researchers that aligns with the work and projects of the Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) of the Arctic Council. Additionally, we aim to identify which of these researchers might be interested in becoming more actively involved in SDWG-related research.

Strengthening Collaborations

Furthermore, we seek to build stronger relationships between Dutch polar researchers from the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines. In the Netherlands, the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines is significantly stronger and larger than that of the SSH disciplines. We have observed that the substantial funding scheme of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) for Antarctic research has strengthened the Dutch polar SSH community, but we are aware that after the PT-REPAIR project it will be difficult to keep this expertise in the Netherlands.

Future Contributions

By fostering stronger alliances between Dutch polar SSH researchers, we hope to enhance our collective contribution to future research calls.

Day chair: Emily Ruiz-Puerta

Preliminary Program


10:15 

Coffee

10:30

Opening en welcome by Annette Scheepstra

10:35 

The Netherlands in the Arctic Council and the new Dutch Polar Strategy by Mirjam Hoogendam (Min. Foreign Affairs) 

10:45

The Netherlands as an Observer State in the SDWG by Annette Scheepstra (RUG)

11:00

Melting ice, frozen cooperation? Geopolitics, the Arctic Council, and the role of the SDWG security by Karen van Loon (Clingendael)

11:15

Reflections on European Union in the Arctic: European Green Deal and its implications for the (European) Arctic region by Özlem Terzi (VU)

11:30

[moral aspects of geo-engineering] by Gareth Davies (VU)

11:45

Indigenous participation in international governance - the Arctic Council as a blueprint.by Medes Malaihollo (RUG)

12:00

Q&A and discussions

12:30

Lunch

13:55

lecture by Kirstine Møller-Gray (RUG)

14:15

The TRACES project and its relevance for SDWG by Sean Desjardins (RUG)

14:30

​​Grounding climate data in lived experience - Emplaced climate imaginaries in changing river communities by Sterre Koops (Hanze Hogeschool / RUG)

14:45

Four different types of social sciences by Christoph Humrich (RUG)

15:00

Questions, reflections and future perspectives

Discussions about contributions to SDWG, IASC Social and Human Working Group and how to better cooperate towards upcoming calls from a SSH angle.

16:00

Drinks

Venue

Norman Building, Lutke Nieuwstraat 5 in Groningen

About 10 minutes walk from Groningen trainstation.

It's possible to safely stall your bike. If you come by car, please contact Annette Scheepstra

We hope everyone is able to come in person, but if not, please contact Annette to inform about remote access.

Public lecture: In the evening Karen van Loon will give a public lecture presenting the new Dutch Arctic security report: Cold calculations, The future of Arctic security and the role of the Netherlands.

Last modified:03 November 2025 1.08 p.m.