Science Minister Andrew Griffith puts UK’s commitment to international Arctic science front and centre at Edinburgh Summit

• Science Minister Andrew Griffith is visiting Scotland today (Thursday 21 March) to open the Arctic Science Summit Week, highlighting the UK's dedication to advancing Arctic research and fostering international partnerships.
• The summit, organised by the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), will provide a platform for global experts to discuss key issues facing the Arctic region and explore collaborative solutions. It is being hosted this year by the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Arctic Network.
• The Minister will give a keynote speech setting out the UK's long-term objective to promote peace and stability in the Arctic through cooperation and scientific advancement.
• The UK punches above its weight in Arctic science, ranking among the world leaders. UK researchers consistently contribute to peer-reviewed journals, with an impact that outshines larger nations. Over two-thirds of UK-authored papers feature international co-authors, highlighting the role of global collaboration in Arctic research. More than 70 universities and research centres across the UK are actively engaged in Arctic exploration and discovery.
• Furthermore, the UK has established strong ties with Canadian and Inuit research communities, laying the groundwork for future cooperation and innovation in the Arctic.
• During a recent visit to Tromso in Norway, Minister Griffith unveiled significant investments, including £5 million for the Met Office's Arctic capabilities project and £500,000 to bolster UK participation in Arctic Council Working Groups.
• The Minister will urge attendees at the Summit to get involved with the Arctic Council Working Groups, highlighting the upcoming deadline for applications on 19 April.
• The UK’s science and research ties through Horizon Europe are also in the spotlight. As part of the visit, Minister Griffith will also confirm that the second Horizon Europe roadshow event will take place in Scotland. This will build on the huge success of the previous event in Birmingham, which saw over 300 attendees from across business and academia, and foster stronger ties with key academic and industrial institutions.
• The event, held in partnership with Innovate UK and Scottish Enterprise, will emphasise the importance of inclusivity and regional engagement across the UK, underpinning the collaborative nature of Horizon Europe.
• The next Horizon Europe roadshow event will take place in late Spring, with more details being released in due course.

Science Minister Andrew Griffith said: 
"It is an honour to open the Arctic Science Summit Week today in Edinburgh, a testament to the UK's unwavering commitment to advancing Arctic research and forging international partnerships.

"The UK is steadfast in its dedication to promoting peace and stability in the region through cooperation and scientific progress.

“I'm proud of the UK's own contributions to Arctic science, as demonstrated by our recent investments in Arctic research capabilities, including £5 million for a new UK Met Office-led project to boost our understanding of region's weather and oceans. Through this and other projects we're working with Arctic State partners to better understand, manage and safeguard the region for people and nature."