Hundreds of researchers from approx. 30 nations run research and monitoring programs in Svalbard every year.
By providing information about infrastructure and activities and by facilitating coordination, collaboration and data sharing between researchers, the SSF averts unnecessary duplication and encourages a smaller environmental footprint from research in Svalbard. Better coordinated activities also advances more unique and in-depth scientific research.
Important role
Svalbard Science Forum (SSF) plays an important role in one of the world's most attractive destinations for polar and climate research.
The Svalbard Science Forum (SSF) was established in 1998 to contribute to increased coordination and cooperation in research activities in Svalbard. Since then, it has developed with regard to its mandate, tasks and members. The mandate was most recently revised in 2019 and is given by the Ministry of Education and Research. The Research Council of Norway is responsible for the secretariat and leads the Forum, that convenes twice a year.
The overarching goal for SSF is to contribute to increased quality in Svalbard research. SSF also works towards placing this research into a larger pan-Arctic and global perspective, and the recruitment of the next generation of polar researchers. SSF is responsible for two funding programmes, Arctic Field Grant and Svalbard Strategic Grant, the Research in Svalbard (RiS) portal and the biannual Svalbard Science Conference, the central international meeting place for research in Svalbard.
New mandate
The Ministry of Education and Research laid down a new mandate for the SSF in 2019:
The overall objective of Svalbard Science Forum (SSF) is to contribute to increased scientific quality in research in Svalbard.
The Forum shall contribute to good coordination of research activities in Svalbard. SSF shall offer integrated and accessible information about all research in Svalbard. The Forum shall further develop and strengthen collaboration between both individual researchers and research institutions in Svalbard. SSF's work shall make it easier for researchers and institutions to obtain necessary support and guidance about infrastructure and research services available in Svalbard. SSF shall also contribute to place Svalbard research in i a larger pan-Arctic and global perspective.
The Forum shall serve as a coordinating and advisory body for all key players in research activities in Svalbard.