Apply to join the NNA Early Career Community of Practice for Ethical Engagement with Arctic Communities

NNA Early Career Community of Practice for Ethical Engagement with Arctic Communities

Launching in late summer/fall 2026, the NNA Early Career Community of Practice for Ethical Engagement with Arctic Communities is a program for early career researchers working in or connected to the Arctic. Organized by the Navigating the New Arctic Community Office, with support from the Polar Science Early Career Community Office, this cohort-based program creates space to learn, connect, and grow together.

This Community of Practice is centered on exploring how to conduct community-engaged Arctic research thoughtfully, effectively, and ethically. Participants will learn from one another’s experiences while engaging with the principles of convergence research—addressing complex societal challenges through deep, interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is open to those with interests and experiences related to any Arctic region, including Alaska and beyond. This program is open to early career individuals within and outside of traditional academic environments, including those who may have more lived experiences in working with communities, rather than formal training. While the program will draw on lessons from the Navigating the New Arctic (NNA) initiative, no prior NNA involvement is required to participate.

The cohort will help shape its own learning journey; discussion topics and areas of focus will be driven by participant interests, with opportunities to lead conversations, contribute to peer learning, and take on shared leadership roles. The program will also build connections to the upcoming 5th International Polar Year and offer a supportive network during a time of global and funding-related challenges.

Participation & Engagement Expectations

Participants are expected to actively contribute to the cohort experience through regular engagement and peer leadership. This includes:

• Attending twice-monthly virtual cohort sessions (with seasonal breaks in winter and summer)
• Co-leading at least one discussion or activity during the program
• Contributing to a collaborative, supportive learning environment
• Participants will be asked to engage for a minimum of one year, and welcomed to continue engaging in the community of practice for as long as they find it useful

This program is open to early career researchers.

Apply using this form by July 31, 2026 at 11:59pm MT (decisions to be announced in August).