Message from the Director

Shin Sugiyama,
Director of the Arctic Research Center Under the globally warming climate, the Arctic is experiencing the most dramatic climate and environmental changes on the earth. Temperatures are rising at a rate four times greater than the global average, which results in melting of sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost. The changes are affecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems, posing a serious impact on marine and land resources. Four million people living in eight Arctic countries are exposed to these rapid changes. The residents, including Arctic indigenous people, are affected not only by the changes in the natural environment, but also rapid globalization and modernization. Societies are facing complex problems related to economic development and international politics

These changes occurring in the Arctic are also a global issue, including Japan. Melting glaciers and ice sheets are causing sea levels rise, and changes in ocean circulation will accelerate global climate change. Warming in the Arctic is also the cause of extreme weather in the middle latitude, such as heavy snowfall and extreme heat events, that frequently observed in Japan. The disappearance of sea ice enables shipping through the Arctic Ocean, and interests are growing in mineral resources in the Arctic.

With these rapid changes in the Arctic as the background, the Arctic Research Center was established in Hokkaido University in April 2015. Researchers from various fields, including geosciences, social sciences, and engineering, are conducting research and educational activities to contribute to a sustainable future in the Arctic region. To understand the complex changes in natural and social environments, cooperation of researchers from diverse experience and knowledge is essential. Therefore, we promote collaboration with universities and research institutions both in Japan and abroad, as well as various departments within Hokkaido University.

Mission of the Arctic Research Center

Mission 1: Promotion of Arctic research

Scientific research is the key of our activity. Using a variety of approaches, including field surveys, satellite data analysis, and numerical modeling, we investigate the current status and future evolution of the atmosphere, ocean, glaciers and ice sheets, frozen soil, and ecosystems in the Arctic. Our research covers the areas of engineering, which includes shipping through the Arctic Ocean, living environments and waste management in cold regions. We also conduct researches into international politics surrounding the Arctic and developments of international laws on resources and environments. The goal of our research is to contribute to the societies in the Arctic, Japan and all over the world, including Arctic indigenous communities. The basis of the research activities is the Japanese flagship Arctic research project ArCS III. In cooperation with the National Institute of Polar Research and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, the Arctic Research Center is playing a leading role in this multidisciplinary research project.

Mission 2: Education and human resource development

To continue research activities in the Arctic, it is essential to nurture the next generation of researchers. Nurturing young researchers through education is an important mission for us. The Arctic Research Center is responsible for training and education of the young researchers in the ArCS III project. We dispatch young researchers and graduate students overseas for international collaboration, study visit, as well as presentations in international symposiums. Taking advantage of our experience in polar science and education, we offer a comprehensive curriculum of the Arctic and Antarctic science, which includes field courses in Japan and overseas, training cruise of Osyoro Maru, and special lectures and seminars by overseas researchers. As the only Japanese university participating in the University of the Arctic (UArctic), an international framework for Arctic education, our programs keep the international standard of polar science education.

Mission 3: International networking

In addition to the eight Arctic countries, many countries around the world have a strong interest and involvement in the changing Arctic. Therefore, an international cooperation and organization are essential to realize a sustainable future in the Arctic. We are working to build and develop international networks in collaboration with overseas research and education institutions, as well as the Arctic Council (AC), the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), and foreign embassies. In particular, we have established and are running the Asia-Arctic Network for Research and Education (AANRE) for collaborations in research and education.

Toward a sustainable future in the Arctic

Based on our experience in research and education in the polar regions, the Arctic Research Center contributes to the future of the Arctic. To achieve this goal, collaboration with a wide variety of people is necessary. Involvement of young researchers and graduate students is essential. Please contact us if you are looking for a partner or an opportunity of studying the Arctic. We look forward to working with you.

Shin Sugiyama, the Director of Arctic Research Center
June 2025

Information

Access Map

● From New Chitose Airport to Japan Railway (JR) Sapporo Station

Railway (Rapid Airport) : 40 min.
Limousine bus : 70–80 min.

● From JR Sapporo Station to Creative Research Institution, Hokkaido University

Taxi : Depart from the JR Sapporo Station north exit and ride 10 min. via Kita 20-jo Higashi Gate.
Chuo Bus (西51,西71) : Ride 16 min. from JR Sapporo station, get off at Kita 21-jo Nishi 15-chome bus stop, and walk 5 min.
Subway : Ride 3 min. from JR Sapporo station on Namboku Subway Line, get off at Kita 18-jo station, and walk 20 min.
Campus bus (free) : Walk 10 min. from JR Sapporo station to the bus stop at the Hokkaido University main gate and ride the bus for 10 min. to the Creative Research Center “Sosei” bus stop. / more infomation about campus bus