Report on 1st International Workshop on Arctic Ocean Observation -Future Collaboration by Research Vessels and Icebreakers-

December 8, 2023

Project Office for Arctic Research Vessel (PARV)

On November 17-18, 2023, the 1st International Workshop on Arctic Ocean Observation -Future Collaboration by Research Vessels and Icebreakers- was held at the Iino Conference Center in Tokyo. The workshop aimed to provide an opportunity to share and discuss the needs and seeds of policy, science, and other topics related to the Arctic region. Additionally, participants discussed how Japan's new Arctic research vessel can be utilized as an international research platform.

A total of 118 participants from 12 countries (Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Korea, Norway, Portugal, UK, USA, and Japan) attended the two-day workshop with 42 participants from overseas institutions.

On the first day, breakout sessions were held in the following areas, with active discussions led by the chairpersons.

（Breakout Session Themes)
-       Science: Addressing Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Collaboration
-       Aspirations for Arctic Ocean Observation from Early Career Scientists
-       International Collaboration, Policy, Indigenous Peoples
-       Technology & Engineering: Data-driven approach for sustainability
-       Sharing Experiences and Developing Future Collaboration in Polar Ship Operations
(Photos of Day 1 are below the text.)

On the second day, each session chairperson presented a summary of the discussions held on the first day, as shown in the photos below.

・Science: Addressing Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Collaboration
Dr. Takashi Kikuchi (JP,JAMSTEC)

Dr. Jackie Grebmeier (US,University of Maryland)

・Aspirations for Arctic Ocean Observation from Early Career Scientist
Dr. Lisa Winberg Von Friesen (DK,University of Copenhagen)

・International Collaboration, Policy, Indigenous Peoples

Dr. Hajo Eicken (US,IARC/University of Alaska Fairbanks)

・Technology & Engineering: Data-driven approach for sustainability

Dr. Takatoshi Matsuzawa (JP, JAMSTEC/NMRI)

・Sharing Experiences and Developing Future Collaboration in Polar Ship Operations

Capt. David Duke Snider (CA, Martech Polar Consulting Ltd)

Following the reports from each session, the panel discussion was held. Dr. Michael Karcher (DE, AWI) and Ms. Hannah-Marie Garcia (US, Indigenous Sentinels Network) took part as the aforementioned session’s presenters, and Dr. Tetsuo Sueyoshi (JP, JAMSTEC) moderated the discussion. Initially, the importance of Arctic Ocean observation and its interplay among the science, vessel operation, engineering, and technology development in the Arctic Ocean were discussed. Opinions were actively exchanged, particularly focusing on the training of next-generation scientists. The discussion then broadened to the promotion of international collaboration in Arctic Ocean observation, with a specific emphasis on engagement with indigenous peoples. This included aspects such as the formulation of cruise plans, leading to numerous comments and discussions.

Afterward, Dr. Takashi Kikuchi presented a summary of the workshop, which included showing photos taken during the workshop.
The workshop was successfully concluded with closing remarks delivered by the President of JAMSTEC, Dr. Hiroyuki Yamato.

Under the theme of discussing the utilization of the Arctic research vessel scheduled for completion in 2026, the workshop provided an opportunity for diverse exchanges of opinions, spanning not only the field of science but also encompassing policy, indigenous peoples, technology, and shipping. It also provided to be a unique and fruitful workshop even from an international perspective.
JAMSTEC will continue to promote international cooperation and foster human resources in the field of research by utilizing the Arctic research vessel, based on the proposals presented at the workshop.
The second workshop is scheduled to be held two years later, in 2025. A detailed report on this workshop will be available on this website at a later date.

We look forward to seeing all the participants of this workshop at the second meeting and to welcoming many new participants.