The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS): Connecting Arctic Research

Abstract:

This presentation will highlight the recent activities of the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) to connect Arctic research. ARCUS is a nonprofit membership organization of universities and institutions that have a substantial commitment to research in the Arctic. ARCUS was formed in 1988 to serve as a forum for planning, facilitating, coordinating, and implementing interdisciplinary studies of the Arctic; to act as a synthesizer and disseminator of scientific information on arctic research; and to educate scientists and the general public about the needs and opportunities for research in the Arctic. ARCUS, in collaboration with the broader science community, relevant agencies and organizations, and other stakeholders, coordinates science planning and educational activities across disciplinary and organizational boundaries.

Examples of ARCUS projects include:

• Arctic Sea Ice Outlook - an international effort that provides monthly summer reports synthesizing community estimates of the expected sea ice minimum.
• Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook – a resource for Alaska Native subsistence hunters, coastal communities, and others that provides weekly reports with information on sea ice conditions relevant to walrus in Alaska waters.
• PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating) - a program whereby K–12 educators and researchers work together in hands-on field experiences in the Arctic and Antarctic to advance polar science education.
• ArcticInfo mailing list, Witness the Arctic newsletter, and the Arctic Calendar – communication tools for the arctic science community to keep apprised of relevant news, meetings, and announcements.
• Coordination for the Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) program, which aims to provide scientific understanding of arctic environmental change to help society understand and respond to a rapidly changing Arctic.

More information about these and other ARCUS activities can be found at the ARCUS website at: http://www.arcus.org.