Svalbard Science Conference 2025

About the Svalbard Science Conference

The Svalbard Science Conference – the only conference dedicated to Svalbard research – is a bi-annual conference arranged by the Svalbard Science Forum and the Research Council of Norway. This year's theme, Svalbard as an Arctic hotspot for climate change and international cooperation, underscores the critical importance of Svalbard research in understanding and addressing global climate challenges. 

The conference brings together researchers at all career stages, research managers, policymakers and other stakeholders of Svalbard research. The aim is to build and strengthen multi-generational, interdisciplinary and international collaboration. Over the course of the conference days, there will be sessions covering all important aspects of Svalbard research.

Natural science often involves complex data that can be difficult for non-experts to grasp. Art – whether visual, musical, literary, or performative – translates this information into forms that are more intuitive and emotionally compelling. Art has the power to evoke emotions; fear, joy, hope, urgency, or inspiration that data alone may not. This year’s conference therefore also includes an art-and-science session. We have invited artists Torben Snekkestad, Morten Qvenild, Anja Lauvdal, Julie Freeman, Esther Horvath, Georgia Rose Murray, Olivier Morin and Jessica MacMillian to contribute to the session.