Strengthening Regional Ties
The West Nordic Research Managers’ Platform
Report from workshop hosted by Research Council Faroe Islands in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
August 19th – 21st, 2024
GLISFO 2024 Strengthening Regional Ties
The West Nordic Research Managers’ Platform
Report from workshop hosted by Research Council Faroe Islands in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
August 19th – 21st, 2024
GLISFO: Strengthening Regional Ties. The West Nordic Research Managers’ Platform
Main Responsibility: Dagmar Joensen-Næs, Research Council Faroe Islands.
Contributors: Dagmar Joensen-Næs, Friðrik Þórsson, Egill Þór Níelsson, and Annika Sølvará
GLISFO 2024: Strengthening Regional Ties
© Granskingarráðið/Research Council Faroe Islands 2025
Cover photo: Varði (Cairn) in sunset. © Granskingarráðið.
Back Cover Photo: GLISFO participants August 2024 © FaroePhoto Layout, typesetting and print: Føroyaprent
ISBN: 978-99972-903-2-8
Funding: This publication is the result of project nr. 1029510 funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Rights and permissions: This work is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (CC BY 4.0) . https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Summary
The workshop „GLISFO: Strengthening Regional Ties” took place on August 19th to 21st, 2024, in the Nordic House in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands. The workshop was arranged by Research Council Faroe Islands in cooperation with Greenland Research Council, the Icelandic Centre for Research – Rannís, and the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network (IACN).
The aim of the workshop was to strengthen research cooperation between Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
This report contains summaries of the workshop, findings and recommendations.
After welcome speeches with introduction to the West Nordic Research Managers’ Platform made by representatives of the three national research funding agencies, the workshop was opened by the Faroese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Industry, Høgni Hoydal.
The sessions included plenary presentations, parallel sessions and discussions on various topics related to research collaboration in the West Nordic region.
More than 70 researchers and other representatives from universities, research institutes and research funding agencies in the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland, attended the workshop.
During the workshop several subjects of common interest were discussed and researchers from the three countries made contacts with other researchers working with similar subjects and with researchers from other disciplines.
The key takeaways from the workshop were that there are several fields where researchers from the West Nordic countries can utilize each other’s competences and resources, and that closer cooperation can strengthen the participation of the region in wider Nordic and international collaboration.
Introduction
In 2022 – 2023 the national research funding agencies in the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland signed Memorandums of Understanding to build upon the cooperation which has developed in recent years.
Despite ongoing efforts, research coordination across the West Nordic and Arctic region remain fragmented. There is a growing need to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange to address future challenges and opportunities, such as shifts in ocean resource distribution, tourism development, and the green transition.
To support these goals, the parties have agreed to establish a West Nordic Research Managers’ Platform. This initiative aims to foster institutional partnerships and facilitate exchange of best practices among knowledge communities in the West Nordic region.
The aim of the GLISFO workshop in the Nordic House in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, on August 19th to 21st, 2024, was to strengthen cooperation between research and innovation environments in Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. The workshop was made possible with a generous grant from the Nordic Council of Ministers and support from the Nordic House and the Municipality of Tórshavn.
Researchers and other representatives from universities, research institutes and funding agencies in Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, were invited to the workshop. Representatives from Iceland and Greenland received travel and accommodation grants.
74 individuals registered for the workshop – 17 from Greenland, 20 from Iceland, 33 from the Faroe Islands, 2 from Denmark, and 2 from Norway.
The workshop was organised around plenary presentations, parallel sessions, discussions and networking events.
The feedback from the workshop has shown that several researchers participating in the GLISFO workshop have made contacts with other researchers working with similar subjects and with researchers from other disciplines.
It is our conclusion that the GLISFO workshop has proved the will, need, and potential of strengthening West Nordic research collaboration, making it an important step forward in this journey.
Annika Sølvará
Research Council Faroe Islands
June 2025
Plenary presentations
HØGNI HOYDAL, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Industry, Faroe Islands
The workshop was opened by Høgni Hoydal, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Industry in the Faroe Islands, who welcomed the participants and reflected on the importance of collaboration in the West Nordic region.
He proposed the idea of forming a union among the three West Nordic nations, emphasizing their many shared characteristics. With vast ocean territories, these nations hold immense potential to address global challenges such as ocean sustainability and the green transition. He encouraged participants to strengthen their collaboration in order to exert greater influence on policymakers and advocate for increased funding for joint research.
EGILL ÞÓR NÍELSSON,
Senior Advisor, Rannís – Icelandic Centre of Research
The ICARP process and its relevance to the West Nordic Region
Egill Þór Níelsson from Rannís gave a briefing on ICARP –the International Conference on Arctic Research Planning –organised by IASC (International Arctic Science Committee) in cooperation with international partners every 10 years since 1995.
The fifth ICARP was scheduled to take place in March 2025 in Boulder, Colorado, USA. The conference would bring together Arctic researchers, Indigenous Peoples, policy makers, and stakeholders from around the world to identify the most urgent knowledge gaps and set priorities for Arctic research for the next decade.
He encouraged the participants of the GLISFO workshop to get engaged in the work of ICARP which has high relevance for many of the topics discussed at GLISFO.
MAGNI MOHR, Pro-Rector, University of the Faroe Islands
UArctic Congress 2026 in the Faroe Islands
Magni Mohr from the University of the Faroe Islands gave a briefing on the UArctic Congress which will be held in the Faroe Islands in 2026.
UArctic (University of the Arctic) is a network of universities, research institutes, and other organizations focusing on education and research in and about the North.
The UArctic Congress is an international conference on Arctic research planning. The next UArctic Congres, taking place from 25th to the 31st of May, 2026, will be hosted by the University of the Faroe Islands.
ANNIKA SØLVARÁ, Director, Research Council Faroe Islands
MALIINA JENSEN, Secretary, Greenland Research Council
SIGURÐUR ÓLI SIGURÐSSON, Head of Research and Innovation Division, Rannís
GLISFO West Nordic Research Managers’
Platform: Tools and ideas for strengthened collaboration
Representatives of the three national research funding agencies provided an overview on their roles and the opportunities within the West Nordic region.
The region is characterized by scarce population, encompassing both urban and rural communities. It is highly reliant on nature and natural resources and is ideally positioned for monitoring developments in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. The International interest in the region is steadily increasing, and there are numerous possibilities for joint research initiatives.
ANN-SOFIE GREMAUD, Associate Professor, University of Iceland
The Biannual West Nordic Research Forum
Ann-Sofie Gremaud, University of Iceland, gave a briefing on the Biannual West Nordic Research Forum prepared by a group of researchers from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands for some time.
A strategic partnership for West Nordic research collaboration will be important for interdisciplinary research.
Parallel sessions
Six thematic sessions were held. The sessions were different in size and structure. As a natural consequence of this, the presentations and discussions varied from session to session.
Parallel Session 1: Climate & Environment (2 sessions)
Moderator: Karin Habermehl-Cwirzen, University of the Faroe Islands
The following presentations were made:
MADS PETER HEIDE-JØRGENSEN, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources: North Atlantic collaboration on studies of top predators
A series of marine-focused projects, including the North Atlantic Sightings Survey and work on the Greenland–Scotland Ridge, underscore the importance of regional cooperation. Proposed time-series studies aim to monitor ecosystem connectivity and support sustainable development in a changing Arctic marine environment.
KIRSTY LANGLEY, Asiaq – Greenland Survey: Climate, hydrology and cryosphere in ecosystems and society
Reliable monitoring of precipitation and hydrology is critical for both research and water resource management. The presentation emphasized efforts to refine data quality, enhance station networks, and ensure accessibility of long-term climate and cryosphere datasets from Greenland for regional and international use.
SIGURD CHRISTIANSEN, University of the Faroe Islands: Atmospheric monitoring on the Faroe Islands
Research focuses on the composition and behavior of aerosols in the Arctic marine atmosphere, including cloud-forming particles such as INPs and CCNs. The station monitors long-range pollutants and greenhouse gases, contributing to understanding cloud dynamics and environmental changes. Future goals include expanding West Nordic cooperation and hosting educational activities.
LAURA BARBERO-PALACIOS, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources: Spatial patterns of plant-herbivore feedback in West Greenland
Research investigates how caribou and muskoxen interact with vegetation under varying environmental pressures. A flexible modelling framework supports analysis of herbivore distribution, biodiversity, and landscape change, offering insights applicable to other Arctic ecosystems and informing conservation planning.
MATHILDE LE MOULLEC, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources; Implications of changes in tundra herbivore diversity – West Greenland in a multiscale circumpolar experiment
The TexNet project examines how differences in herbivore diversity shape tundra vegetation, carbon cycling, and soil processes. Coordinated experiments and fieldwork across Arctic sites contribute to understanding of additive and compensatory ecological effects under climate change.
NARISSA BAX, Greenland Climate Research Centre
BlueCea: Blue carbon in Greenland and the Faroe Islands
The BlueCea project assesses macroalgae’s role in carbon sequestration across marine ecosystems. Fieldwork quantifies carbon stocks, detritus production, and export pathways to fjords and the deep sea. Early findings suggest substantial blue carbon potential in sub-Arctic coastal habitats, supporting regional climate mitigation strategies.
WESLEY FARNSWORTH, University of Iceland:
The IceFREE Database: Glacial, climate and volcanic history within the North Atlantic
The IceFREE project refines our understanding of glacial retreat, sea-level dynamics, and volcanic history across the North Atlantic. By integrating geochronological methods, it creates a unified, holistic database. Field research spans Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, and Norway, in climatically sensitive Arctic regions.
ALEXANDRA MESSERLI, Asiaq Greenland Survey:
North Atlantic collaborations for climate and cryospheric research
Ongoing work links glaciological research with practical needs in Greenland and the
wider Arctic. Experience from projects on natural hazard communication and tourism safety highlights opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Current research includes glacier monitoring and climate data projects with potential application across the Nordic region.
JOHANNA GISLADOTTIR, Agricultural University of Iceland: Climate Change Resilience in Small and Remote Communities in Iceland
The CliCNord project explores how small, often remote communities understand and respond to climate challenges. Case studies reveal varying degrees of local capacity, preparedness, and reliance on external support. Policy briefs and academic publications aim to inform resilience strategies across the Nordic region.
SUNNVØR Í KONGSSTOVU, University of the Faroe Islands:
Genome atlas and genetic diversity in the Faroe Islands and beyond
The Gen@FarE (Genome Atlas of Faroese Ecology) project aims to sequence highquality genomes of all Faroese eukaryotic species, focusing first on marine organisms. This work supports conservation, sustainable resource management, and builds research capacity. Additional projects include genetic studies on marine mammals, herring populations, and the prevalence of diseases like toxoplasmosis in local fauna.
PAVLA DAGSSON-WALDHAUSEROVA, Agricultural University of Iceland:
High Latitude Dust as an important air pollutant and climate forcer, impacting environment and socio-economic sectors
High Latitude Dust (HLD) is an under-recognized but significant climate forcer with broad environmental and societal impacts, especially in the Arctic. The presentation outlined its role in reducing albedo, accelerating ice melt, and affecting air quality and health. International networks, such as ICEDUST, support monitoring and research coordination.
General discussion:
Upon the conclusion of the presentations, participants identified areas of potential collaboration and made suggestions for cooperation.
Among these was for cooperation on hosting and sharing mutual databases. For example, research conducted in the Faroe Islands on matters related to climate has the potential to add value to similar research in the other countries – such as research already planned on sensitive climate settings which is already planned at Saksun lake. Ease of access to the monitoring and research efforts between the West Nordic countries would readily result to more effective and increased cooperation.
Requests for further cooperation on geology issues was made and promptly welcomed by the session participants from the Faroese Geological Survey and plans were made for later talks.
Similar requests were raised for collaboration on the monitoring of the genetic diversity of the three countries, as well as for collaboration on mountain rescue.
Among the topics discussed was the great demand for researchers from the Faroe Islands and Greenland to be involved in international projects as this is often a requirement to get funding. However, due to limited number of researchers available, the Faroese and Greenlandic research communities find themselves in a constant struggle to prioritize between the different invitations and initiatives. It is therefore among one of many reasons for why capacity building for researchers and institutions within the West Nordics is important.
Reflecting on the diversity of the areas in which a need for increased collaboration was identified, the session participants concluded that the natural sciences need to further embrace an interdisciplinary cooperation with other disciplines. This might also include engaging and collaborating more actively with students in future scientific endeavours.
Parallel Session 2: Humanities & Social Sciences (2 sessions)
Moderator: Catherine Chambers, Stefansson Arctic Institute
The following presentations were made and discussed:
RASMUS LEANDER NIELSEN, University of Greenland: Greenland’s Foreign Policy
Iceland had a new report ready for Arctic Circle stating that Iceland and Greenland should cooperate much further. This intent to cooperate is reciprocated by Greenland. NATO is a huge implication in Greenland, much as it was with Iceland.
ROBERT IMRE, University of the Faroe Islands:
Hybrid Security Threats in the Region
Hybrid threats involve a lot of everyday life issues. Much of the discussion revolves around digital aspects, e.g. knocking out an internet access system would mean that banking systems can be knocked out as well. Some of the none-digital problems also include supply chain disruptions, food/water access, etc.
BJARNI MÁR MAGNÚSSON, Bifröst University:
Language Barriers and the Global Recognition of Icelandic Court’s Decisions
Concerning the Arrest of Vessels
Old international law court cases from Iceland have international relevance. One expanded the jurisdiction where you could arrest vessels a bit further than previously. This is important for current times in relation to rising sea levels. International law court decisions can be used as precedent and are therefore a source of international law.
ANN-SOFIE GREMAUD, University of Iceland:
The spectre of the Danish empire in West Nordic collaboration
Research groups have collaborated across Norway, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Denmark, and Iceland to write the cultural history of the West Nordic region. It took a long time to understand some of the differences between the countries. What seemed to be relevant questions that worked on Icelandic issues may not have been spot-on for the Greenlandic or Faroese colleagues.
RÓISÍN KENNELLY, University of the Faroe Islands and Oxford University:
‘Small boats sail as well as ships’: Climate-change adaptation, technology, and infrastructure in the Faroe Islands
Climate change is arguably the most pressing issue that humanity faces. The Faroe Islands are experiencing a growing series of social and environmental changes driven by climate change. As a result, Faroese communities have been thrown into fluctuating patterns of environmental, economic, and social change.
KATLA KJARTANSDÓTTIR, University of Iceland:
Engaging with more-than-humans
Analysis of the relationship between how we perceive certain animals in an age of global warming and threat of extinction.
KRISTINN SCHRAM, University of Iceland:
Human and non-human entanglements in the North Atlantic
Entanglements ranging from old Norse poetry to contemporary legends present us with both mobile agents and morphing environments.
General discussion:
The session began with an acknowledgement of the broad range of focus within the subject of social sciences within the West Nordics, but also of its numerous commonalities – such as of the scientific experience in the region.
The region is of great scientific potential which is hampered by a relatively small absolute capacity which introduces a series of challenges especially pertinent to social sciences.
Fundamentally, this capacity comes down to limited human resources. Any given academic field at a research institution or university may only be manned by few – or even a single – staff, limiting resources to engage in other academic pursuits besides teaching. Even just applying to funds can become a costly endeavour.
National funding systems are limited, especially in the case of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, albeit less so in the case of Iceland. This makes spending the resources to meet the amount of work needed to fulfil the criteria to apply for large-scale project funding.
Institutions in places like Greenland become instead dependent on the individual researcher becoming part of a wider funded project initiated elsewhere. International scientific cooperation with actors from the West Nordic region is therefore often reduced to outside parties tokenizing their involvement without offering much in the way of further participation, setting up the project scope, or analysing the data. In this manner, it is felt that West Nordic researchers and stakeholders often experience being reduced to mere „data gatherers“
This reality of research initiatives being often conceived, scoped, and initiated by actors from outside the region – going so far as to engage in ‘parachute researching’, i.e. leaving little benefit for the communities from which they extract data from. This all begs the question as to the narrative that is being developed by outside forces about the reality of their scientific needs.
In addressing this issue, participants recognized a dilemma. To establish research infrastructure and increase capacity, you need research. Yet research is difficult to initiate without sufficient capacity unless it comes from the ‘outside’. How may the West Nordics enforce a strong, shared push onto the high international stage?
Among the opportunities identified was to mainstream methodologies to make studies more compatible and comparative for the sake of properly addressing shared challenges.
Although workshops work to dispel the mystery between these communities, it remains logistically expensive. With consideration to the efficacy of such workshops, and with respect to time and distances, Iceland was brought up as a good hub for such activities. Having such fora be structured, regular, and consistent, was deemed imperative.
These efforts in mainstreaming and consolidation of scientific networks in the region would do well in offering an opportunity to provide scientific material produced by the West Nordics for use in teaching. This would be to address common complaints regarding material which concerns the region not being of a focus belonging to the West Nordics themselves.
In seeking further solutions, participants reflected on other parts of the world, such as Finland, where similar capacity issues were once commonly felt. In response, a form of grant infrastructure was established, having perhaps 2-3 people per university who were dedicated solely to the organizing of grants and their budget. This has resulted in Finnish universities receiving considerably more money per capita. Were the West Nordics to pool their resources, they may consider a similar approach.
It was noted that the budget for research remains relatively low within the West Nordics as a percentage of their respective GDPs. Formalizing and enshrining research strategies within national policy/strategy papers may therefore assist in justifying allocation for increased research initiatives, especially if the interest is scoped to address scientific cooperation between the West Nordics – emboldening their ability to pool resources, in turn.
Parallel Session 3: Science, Health & Food Security (2 sessions)
Moderator: Maria Skaalum Petersen, Department of Research, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands
The following presentations were made and discussed:
ERNA LAVA OLSEN, Firum, Faroe Islands: Physical oceanography
Faroe Islands are doing studies on possible tidal energy capture in sounds around the islands.
PETRA E. PETERSEN, The Faroese Food and Veterinary Authority:
Non-lethal monitoring of aquaculture pathogens using eRNA/eDNA methods
Monitoring of aquaculture pathogens using eRNA/eDNA methods has many advantages. Sampling is easy and representative. Sample numbers are larger and monitoring is effective. The methods are non-invasive and can predict a potential outbreak before it occurs.
There are several options for cooperation in this area within the West Nordics.
GERD MULVAD, Greenland Research Council: Health and Nature
Food security is linked to several topics. The war in Ukraine has also shed a light on how the West Nordic countries can produce food for themselves.
MARIA SKAALUM PETERSEN, Department of Research, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands:
Health research in the Faroe Islands
Multiple cohort studies on the impact of exposure to PCB, mercury and other pollutants on health, reproduction, aging and other factors have proved very valuable. University of Iceland does similar cohort studies that may offer collaboration.
MARIN STRØM, University of the Faroe Islands:
Social inequality in health in the Faroe Islands
A large survey has shown that education is affecting type 2 diabetes. There may be more inequality in health outcomes than previously thought.
HREFNA D GUNNARSDÓTTIR, University of Iceland:
Reciprocity in Health Research
Legal and ethical issues around sharing data were discussed. Health data space regulation is going to reach Iceland, Faroe Islands and maybe Greenland. Health workers will work under the expectation of intended/assumed consent of patients that they want to know if there are findings that should be fed back to the patients.
CARSTEN JUUL JENSEN, University of Greenland:
Well-being, retention, and education in the nursing profession in Greenland
Permanent nurses only occupy 58% of 305 positions in Greenland, the rest are short term or vacant. Infrastructure and weather influence delivery of health services. Also, there are language challenges as 70% of students speak primarily Greenlandic. Greenland has highest suicide rate in the world and 37% of the youth have adverse childhood experiences which affect learning capacity.
It may be possible to increase the mobility of nursing students in the West Nordic.
MAGNI MOHR, University of the Faroe Islands:
Physical activity across the lifespan – North Atlantic and global perspectives
The „Football for health“ project has gone from pilot studies in 2003 to international and large-scale studies now. 300 researchers around the world are involved. The project has led to development of „Sport for all“ concepts and courses such as „football fitness“, „fit first“ and „football for the heart“. Now working on a programme „Health for the elderly“.
DEBES HAMMERSHAIMB CHRISTIANSEN, The Faroese Food and Veterinary Authority:
The Fish Health barometer in Faroese Aquaculture
Aquaculture is expanding and increasing compared to fishing. Carbon footprint is relatively small compared to e.g. chicken.
Aquaculture companies in the Faroe Islands are environmentally conscious. Viral and bacterial infections and sea lice are challenges.
Researchers in the Faroe Islands come together to ensure synergy. They also collaborate with Norway, Denmark and the rest of Europe, but strategic aims for the West Nordics are needed.
ÓLAFUR ÖGMUNDARSON, University of Iceland:
Icelandic food systems and food security
Several research ideas were discussed: Sustainable healthy diets in West Nordics.
Interdisciplinary research on food, impact, perceptions and dietary changes/challenges. Collaboration on developing a joint study line on food science, nutrition and sustainable healthy diets in the West Nordic with a focus on food systems and food security.
TABEA JACOB, University Centre of the Westfjords:
Blue Equity in Marine Spatial Planning processes in Arctic Regions
It is increasingly appreciated that zoning of the ocean creates imbalances and ignores social role of ocean resources. There is a need to ensure equality, especially for small and marginalized populations.
It is important to engage all stakeholders. In Greenland there is an opportunity to create an ocean economy that focuses on equality, equity and justice. There is a lot of value in engaging Master´s students and even undergraduates in research in the Arctic.
DÁVID Í LÁG, University of the Faroe Islands:
Local languages in a global context – Speech recognition technology for Faroese
There is a potential in Greenland for language technology. There is a lot of human translation that technology can make more effective.
Parallel Session 4: Energy and Building
Moderator: Maliina Jensen, Greenland Research Council
The following presentations were made:
DITTE STOUGAARD STILER, Nordic Energy Research:
Funding Joint Nordic Research on Energy
Nordic Energy Research supports collaborative projects through programs focused on mobility, hydrogen, maritime transport, and clean energy transitions. The Mobility Programme encourages researcher exchanges, workshops, and PhD networking. Funding is available for both individual and consortium-based initiatives, with a view toward strengthening Nordic cooperation on future energy solutions.
KARIN HABERMEHL-CWIRZEN, University of the Faroe Islands: Environmentally friendly building material research at the University of the Faroe Islands
Research spans advanced materials such as alkali-activated binders, healing concrete, and use of Faroese aggregates. Teaching and supervision efforts support sustainable construction through materials science. International collaborations and upcoming symposia aim to foster innovation in ecological building methods adapted to North Atlantic conditions.
JÓN ÞORVALDUR HEIÐARSSON,
University of Akureyri:
Wind Energy in Iceland – what is the potential and how does it affect Greenland and Faroe Islands
Iceland has significant untapped potential for wind energy production. A future-focused analysis explored the feasibility of large-scale wind farms and subsea electricity cable connections to Europe. Comparative insights with the Faroe Islands’ infrastructure development were shared, underlining the strategic opportunity for cross-regional energy integration.
TOVE LADING, Arctic DTU – Ilinniarfeqarfik Sisimiut:
Extreme climate impact on the built environment
The ABC research project and a pilot DGNB Greenland certification address sustainability in Arctic construction. Differences in infrastructure, energy supply, and climate necessitate a localized approach. A new master’s program in sustainable construction complements this effort, offering practice-based, research-informed education tailored for North Atlantic professionals.
NIELS ERIK HAGELQVIST NUKISSIORFIIT
Nukissiorfiit and Circumpolar Energy Research Cooperation
The ARENA program fosters collaboration on clean energy in Arctic communities. It builds capacity through international networking, mentoring, and on-site sessions. The goal is to improve energy resilience while balancing economic, environmental, and health priorities. Broad partnerships support sustainable energy development across the circumpolar region.
VILHJÁLMUR NIELSEN, Arctic DTU – Ilinniarfeqarfik Sisimiut:
The role of building energy in a sustainable energy system
The DTU Construct project investigates how buildings support flexible, resilient renewable energy systems. Energy savings, heat management, and smart tech enable demand alignment with supply. Case studies in Greenland and the Faroes reveal tradeoffs in policy and green transitions. Solutions include better insulation, heat pumps, and localized heating strategies.
EVA MØLLER, Arctic DTU – Ilinniarfeqarfik Sisimiut:
Sustainability in the built environment – DGNB certification in Greenland
Building in the Arctic demands special attention to harsh conditions—cold, wind, moisture—and the practical limitations of remote locations. Research at DTU Construct includes design testing, site observations, and collaboration with authorities. Arctic experiences are increasingly relevant globally as extreme climate conditions become more widespread.
KÁRI MORTENSEN, Faroese Environment Agency:
The need for renewable energy in Faroes – why we have to look at offshore wind
To meet future energy demands, the Faroes must go beyond land-based wind power. A rapid expansion into offshore wind is necessary. The presentation reviewed local energy targets and called for streamlined permitting processes across the Nordic region to accelerate offshore wind deployment in line with environmental goals.
General discussion:
Participants discussed the nature and supply of sustainable energy in each country along with intriguing possibilities of establishing connections between them via undersea power cables in the future.
Although these three countries each uniquely face their own distinct sets of challenges when it comes to their supply of energy, knowledge production remains important. The West Nordic countries stand to learn a great deal from one another and may therefore avert repeating costly mistakes. Such cooperation would ease in attaining shared goals, namely in reaching the green transition sooner – which has become ever more imperative considering the onset of climate change, which occurs rapidly in the region.
This rapid onset has had the unfortunate effect of changing which practices no longer work, made worse by the fact that the climate in the Arctic is already seen as quite challenging, making construction incredibly demanding. Learning from one another by sharing best practices would be greatly beneficial in this regard.
Sustainable building practices and materials were also discussed. There is considerable demand being made for sustainability which is now often reflected in criteria required to get funding for building projects. Currently, a certification for this is being developed in Greenland.
Parallel Session 5: Interdisciplinary
Moderator: Kirsty Langley, Aasiaq – Greenland Survey
The following presentations were made and discussed:
CATHERINE CHAMBERS, Stefansson Arctic Institute:
A social ecological system analysis of pelagic fisheries in Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands
Politicians do not follow scientific advice on fisheries. Capacities of researchers are being questioned. This project seeks to argue against this and states that the best solution for all parties is to value research and science. The West Nordic countries have similarities and differences, and it is important to do research in the differences. Researchers ask the right questions and help developing the field.
UNN LAKSÁ, Sjókovin Blue Resources:
An interdisciplinary approach to improving the sustainability of blue foods
The green transition in the marine sector is challenging, but much of it will happen naturally as oil prices remain high and companies continue to communicate and share best practices.
REBECCA ERIKSSON, University Centre of the Westfjords:
Understanding the integration of local knowledge and AI in marine spatial planning
In Greenland there is a discussion about implementing local knowledge and people in the processes. There is a wish to have Faroese and Greenlandic researchers to join this project. Forum and the Faroese Environment Agency are interested and are involved in projects in this field.
MATTHIAS KOKORSCH, University Centre of the Westfjords:
The role of local knowledge in marine spatial planning for a just green transition in times of digital transformation and climate change
The project seeks researchers from the Faroe Islands and Greenland to join the Scientific Advisory Board.
The Faroe Islands and Greenland have not been involved from the beginning of the project which is a continuation of another project. The funders of the project have requested that Greenland and the Faroe Islands must be part of the project. Several participants pointed out that such last minute requests are unfortunate for the composition of countries and capacities in the projects.
Parallel Session 6: Biannual West Nordic research forum
Moderator: Ann-Sofie Gremaud, University of Iceland
A group of researchers from University of Iceland, University of Greenland, and University of the Faroe Islands have prepared a plan for creation of a Biannual West Nordic research forum.
They discussed the concept for a strategic partnership for West Nordic research collaboration which will be important for interdisciplinary research.
Panel discussion
A panel discussion was held on the last day of the workshop with moderators from the parallel sessions who reflected on and discussed future cooperation.
The participants in the panel were:
Karin Habermehl-Cwirzen, University of the Faroe Islands
Catherine Chambers, Stefansson Arctic Institute
Maria Skaalum Petersen, Department of Research, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands
Maliina Jensen, Greenland Research Council
Kirsty Langley, Aasiaq – Greenland Survey
Session chair: Dagmar Joensen-Næs, Research Council Faroe Islands.
The moderators presented the most interesting points taken from their workshops. They agreed that there are great opportunities for further research in the West Nordics. Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands have a lot in common. The societies are small with limited resources but have also several advantages with close connections.
There were discussions on how researchers can utilize each other’s competences and resources and how closer cooperation can strengthen the participation of the region in Nordic and international collaborations. There was also a great interest for a funding scheme that can support the building of joint research projects in the West Nordic region.
Networking
Time was made for networking on several occasions during the workshop. There were coffee breaks and lunch breaks during the day and a dinner at Hotel Hafnia in the centre of Tórshavn.
Two excursions were organised. A guided tour at the National Art Museum on day 1 and a guided bus trip to the island of Sandoy on day 2.
A networking exercise was arranged on day 2 in the Nordic House where participants were urged to make new contacts and talk to people from other countries and disciplines.
The networking exercise showed an eager interest from the participants to get in contact with colleagues from the other countries both within their fields and across disciplines.
Participant feedback
During the workshop the participants were asked to answer questions in Mentimeter.
Joint research projects
The participants were asked if they had identified joint research projects or themes at the workshop. 37 out of 41 who answered the question said that they had found possible joint research themes/projects.
Some of the themes/projects mentioned were:
• Sharing of data
• Food security
• Social and environmental impacts of aquaculture industries
• Environmental interactions between marine aquaculture and fisheries
• Localized energy solutions
• Ocean/climate perception of young local people
• Integration of local knowledge into marine ecology
• Sharing administrative capacities between large and small institutions
• Agricultural similarities/differences, legislation and management
• Platform for sharing of knowledge about green technologies
• Marine invasive species spread
• Collaboration for larger research projects
• Connecting museums – art and heritage exchange
Next steps for the network
The participants were asked how they wanted to continue the cooperation.
The first priority was to have dedicated (bi)annual workshops. The next priority was to encourage joint funding applications. Side meetings at other events was also mentioned by several participants as a priority in promoting West Nordic scientific needs and interests.
Workshop format feedback
The participants were asked to identify the most useful part of the workshop. The main answers were:
• Workshops
• Networking
• Informal discussions
• Collaboration
• In person meeting
• Learning from each other
• New contacts
• Inspiration
• Common scientific interests
• Knowledge of programmes at other universities
The participants were also asked what could have been better. Among the answers were:
• More interdisciplinary sessions
• More time for discussion
• Time for shared funding applications
• More input from early career researchers
Identified Issues/Recommendations
Similarities
The West Nordic countries have a lot of similarity in their scientific experience which creates great scientific potential.
Limited capacity
Human resources are limited in the West Nordic countries. This impacts everything from top-down to bottom-up scientific opportunities.
Funding
National funding systems are very limited, especially in Greenland and Faroe Islands. One way to approach this may be through efforts to formalize and enshrine research strategies within national policy/strategy papers.
The limited potential number of applicants poses a major challenge in leveraging largescale funding opportunities such as Horizon grants. Moreover, for researchers in the region, the substantial administrative and preparatory workload required to meet the eligibility criteria makes it extremely difficult to justify investing their already scarce resources in such applications.
Outside parties
There is a great demand from outside parties for researchers from Greenland and the Faroe Islands to be involved in projects as this is often a requirement to get funding.
Research initiatives are often conceived, scoped, and initiated by actors from outside the West Nordics, leaving little-to-no benefit for the local communities.
Especially in Greenland and sometimes in Iceland and the Faroe Islands, outside parties often simply take the logo of a scientific institution without offering them much in the way of further participation in scientific cooperation.
Even when the participation is greater than mere tokenization, the researchers and stakeholders within the West Nordic region are often reduced to “data gatherers” who have very little influence on the scope of the research or analysis of the data.
It is essential that the West Nordics take charge of defining the research taking place in the region.
Due to the limited number of researchers, the research communities in the Faroe Islands and Greenland are in a constant struggle to prioritize between the different invitations and initiatives.
Cooperation
There was a general consensus that cooperation between the West Nordic countries is essential and should continue.
The first priority for continued cooperation was to hold dedicated (bi)annual workshops. Workshops were deemed an effective way to promote closer cooperation, but are logistically expensive for these three countries to host with respect to both time and distances.
Other priorities for cooperation include joint funding applications and side meetings at other events.
Some of the themes/projects mentioned as options for cooperation between the three West Nordic countries were:
• Sharing of data
• Food security
• Geology
• Genetic diversity, also on various species, plants etc.
• Social and environmental impacts of aquaculture industries
• Environmental interactions between aquaculture and fisheries
• Energy solutions, e.g. cables between the countries
• Ocean/climate perception of young local people
• Integration of local knowledge into marine ecology
• Sharing administrative capacities between large and small institutions
• Marine invasive species spread
• Collaboration for larger research projects
• Mountain rescue
• Connecting museums – art and heritage exchange
Sessions at Arctic Circle
Suggestions were made at the workshop in Tórshavn about joint sessions for West Nordic researchers at the Arctic Circle Assembly which is held in Reykjavík every year in October.
The first joint session which followed up on the GLISFO workshop was held at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík in October 2024. Speakers at the session were Pia Hansson, University of Iceland, Rasmus Leander Nielsen, University of Greenland, Halla Nolsøe Poulsen, NORA, and Sigurður Óli Sigurðsson, Rannís. Annika Sølvará, Research Council Faroe Islands moderated the session.
Around 50 participants from different countries joined the session.
Picture: © Arctic Circle
Next steps
The Research Councils in Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, are planning to host the second Workshop for Researchers from Greenland, Iceland and Faroe Islands in Iceland in spring of 2026. A third Workshop for Researchers from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands is intended be subsequently held in Greenland in 2027.
A platform for future initiatives between researchers in the West Nordic region will also be developed.
Appendix 1: Programme
GLISFO 2024: Strengthening Regional Ties
Monday 19 August
12:00 Registration
13:00 Plenary – Skálin
Welcome and presentation on the West Nordic Research Managers’ Platform
Annika Sølvará, Research Council Faroe Islands
Maliina Jensen, Greenland Research Council
Sigurður Óli Sigurðsson, Rannís
13:20 Welcome – Høgni Hoydal, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Industry, Faroe Islands
13:30 The ICARP IV process and its relevance to the West Nordic Region –Egill Þór Níelsson
UArctic Congress 2026 in the Faroe Islands – Magni Mohr
14:00 Coffee break
14:30 Workshops – presentations and discussions
Workshop 1: Climate & Environment – Skálin
Moderator: Karin Habermehl-Cwirzen, University of the Faroe Islands
Workshop 2: Humanities & Social Sciences – Dansistovan
Moderator: Catherine Chambers, Stefansson Arctic Institute
Workshop 3: Science, Health & Food Security – Norðurstova
Moderator: Maria Skaalum Petersen, Dep. of Research, the National Hospital FO
16:00 Networking event
Group photo and walk to the National Art Museum for a guided tour
Tuesday 20 August
09:00 Plenary – Skálin
GLISFO West Nordic Research Managers’ Platform: Tools and ideas for strengthened collaboration
10:00 Coffee break
10:30 Workshops – presentations and discussions
Workshop 1: Climate & Environment – Skálin
Moderator: Karin Habermehl-Cwirzen, University of the Faroe Islands
Workshop 2: Humanities & Social sciences – Dansistovan
Moderator: Catherine Chambers, Stefansson Arctic Institute
Workshop 3: Science, Health & Food Security – Norðurstova
Moderator: Maria Skaalum Petersen, Dep. of Research, the National Hospital FO
12:00 Lunch – Café Systrar
13:00 Networking Exercise – Skálin
13:30 Workshops – presentations and discussions
Workshop 4: Energy and Building – Skálin
Moderators: Maliina Jensen, Greenland Research Council, and Klaus Skytte, Nordic Energy Research
Workshop 5: Interdisciplinary – Dansistovan
Moderator: Kirsty Langley, Asiaq – Greenland Survey
Workshop 6: Biannual West Nordic research forum – Norðurstova
Moderator: Ann-Sofie Gremaud, University of Iceland
14:45 Plenary – Skálin
Wrap up
15:00 Excursion
Guided bus trip to Sandoy – max. 2 ½ hours
19:00 Dinner – Hotel Hafnia
Networking dinner at Panorama, 6th floor at Hotel Hafnia
Wednesday 21 August
09:00 Plenary – Skálin
Reflections from the workshops and discussion on future cooperation
Panel with moderators from the workshops
Session Chair: Dagmar Joensen-Næs
10:00 Coffee break
10:30 Creation of a Biannual West Nordic research forum
Presented by representatives from Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland
11:00 Wrap up and next steps
GLISFO West Nordic Research Managers’ Platform
11:30 Goodbye
Appendix 2: Photos from the workshop
More pictures from the GLISFO workshop are available at gransking.fo.
