Center for Arctic Policy Studies

About Us

The Center for Arctic Policy Studies (CAPS) is an interdisciplinary, globally-informed group rooted in Alaska’s Interior at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Housed within the International Arctic Research Center (IARC), we recognize the historical dimensions of policy contexts, the power of collaboration across disciplines and domains, and the use of integrative approaches towards problem-solving based on evidence-based practices and a positive outlook toward the future of Alaska and the Arctic. Our affiliates have expertise not only across traditional academic disciplines, but also related to Indigenous affairs, military security organizations, and different levels of governance.

About Our Work

Policy-makers need reliable and timely information about the Arctic, a region of rapid environmental, economic, and societal change. The Center for Arctic Policy Studies (CAPS) facilitates sharing of the University of Alaska expertise in Arctic issues—ranging from natural resources to engineering to political science—with policy- and decision-makers. How do you prepare to respond to the circumstances? What information is needed to successfully navigate the uncertainty of a changing Arctic? Our center can provide you answers to these policy questions or connect you directly with people who have answers. Our topical areas of interest include:

Two people walking on a snowy Arctic landscape under a sunset

Arctic Futures

Arctic Ocean Transit

Arctic Security

Alaska Arctic Policy Act 2015

China in the Arctic

Two people stand with their backs to us, looking at a map of Alaska

Co-production of Knowledge

Three people stand on a tundra landscape with research equipment

Policy Perspectives

Latest News

New Paper on Cultural Consensus Published in Open Access Sustainability Journal

April 01, 2020

New paper by Dr. Berill Blair (CAPS Affiliate) and Dr. Amy Lauren Lovecraft (CAPS Director) published in open-access Sustainability Journal.
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International Arctic School Hosts CAPS Graduate Assistant

January 11, 2020

Liz Bowman, Center for Arctic Policy Studies graduate assistant, is currently attending the International Arctic School at the Harbin Institute of Technology in China.
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Grad Assistant Liz Bowman guest lectures at Washington high school

October 21, 2019

CAPS Graduate Assistant Liz Bowman was invited to guest lecture on the Arctic and climate change at a high school in Palouse, Washington.
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Events

Apr28

CAPS Webinar: The Future of Arctic Seaways

10:am AKDT

April 28, 2020: CAPS host a 75-minute webinar on the topic of Arctic Ocean Transit with Dr. Brandon Boylan and Dustin Elsberry, co-authors of a recent paper on the topic.

Register here
Apr20

CAPS Webinar: China in the Arctic

Weblink TBA
2:00 pm AKDT

April 20, 2020: CAPS hosts a 75-minute webinar on the topic of China in the Arctic with Dr. Qingchao Xu (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and Liz Bowman (UAF), co-authors of a recent paper on the topic.
Aug28

Webinar: Concisely Communicating the Relevance of your Arctic Research

Elevator Pitches and 2-pagers for Policy Makers
4:00 PM UTC /8:00 AM AKST

August 28, 2019: Are you interested in communicating your science to non-experts? Have you wondered how your research might be applied to policy? Join this webinar to learn two essential skills in communicating science with policy makers and other non-experts. Hosted by APECS, IARPC, and CAPS.

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