- About us
- Projects
- ILLUQ (Permafrost – Pollution – Health)
- ICEBERG
- MARINE SABRES - Integrating Marine Biodiversity Conservation With a Resilient Blue Economy
- WAGE - Arctic Economy and Social Transitions
- NORVALUE
- ICEWHALE
- Arctic Youth and Sustainable Futures
- AHDR and ASI Secretariat
- Completed Projects
- NUNATARYUK- Permafrost Research (2017-2023)
- JUSTNORTH (2020-2023)
- REXSAC - Resources, Extractive Industries and Sustainable Arctic Communities (2016-2020)
- ARCPATH - Arctic Climate Predictions (2016-2021)
- ICECHANGE - Reflections of Change in Iceland ca. AD 800-1800 (2017-2020)
- MYSEAC - The Mývatn District of Iceland (2016-2019)
- FISHERNET - Fishing Cultural Heritage Network (2008-2010)
- Human Dimensions of Arctic Environments
- Recent Publications
- The Friendly Arctic Exhibition
- News
- Contact us
- UNAK
The Stefansson Arctic Institute
The Stefansson Arctic Institute (SAI), established in 1998 and situated in Akureyri, Iceland, is an independent governmental research institute affiliated with the University of Akureyri. Until January 2025, SAI operated under the Icelandic Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources, after which it merged with and became a part of the University of Akureyri. The Stefansson Arctic Institute's office is on the fifth floor of Borgir, Research and Innovation Center, on the University of Akureyri campus.
The SAI takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human-environment relations in the Circumpolar Arctic. Particular emphasis is on research and scientific assessments concerning economic systems and human development, marine-resource governance, political ecology of agricultural systems, and the impacts of and adaptation to past and present climate change. The Institute follows the Icelandic Government Offices Gender Equality Plan and the Green Steps Program for government agencies.
Akureyri is Iceland's Capital of the North and a growing centre of arctic activities and events. This friendly town is gaining a reputation for hosting workshops, conferences and lectures on Arctic issues.
Two of the Arctic Council's secretariats are located in the same building (Borgir) as the Institute: Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) and Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME). Also the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network and, from 1 January 2017, the secretariat of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) is situated in Borgir.