Year 1 Projects

New Directions Towards Education & an Energy Transition

New, alternative grants are obtained to support initiatives not funded by the cooperative agreement, including midscale infrastructure grant to NSF for education center, DoE prospectus for energy transition, and additional grant applications to EU.
  • Toolik will be an example of a large, remote field station that has achieved energy transformation to functionally independent of fossil fuels. 
  • Toolik will have a state-of-the-art education facility and teaching lab.
  • Toolik will have achieved financial diversification.
By September 2024, we will have 1) completed the DoE scoping study for the decarbonization application and 2) will have identified an engineering partner and produced the white paper for the midscale infrastructure application.

Collaboration & Outreach with Indigenous Peoples

Increase outreach and research collaboration with Alaska Native communities. Build relationships with Anaktuvuk Pass to enhance Toolik community’s connection with Alaska Native and rural communities. Facilitate connections with researchers to co-produce knowledge on Arctic ecosystems and change.
Toolik and Anaktuvuk Pass will have a working relationship that serves as a bridge through which researchers can responsibly engage with the Anaktuvuk Pass community. This engagement may include but is not limited to knowledge co-production, educational resources for K-12 students, and career opportunities.
By September 2024, Toolik Field Station will have developed relationships with the Anaktuvuk Pass K-12 school and pursue funding to support deeper collaboration.

Alignment with Arctic Research Priorities

Participate deeply in the 4th International Conference on Arctic Research Planning process and ensure our science support services are aligned with ICARP IV priorities, including topic areas:
  • 2 — Observing, Reconstructing, and Predicting Future Climate Dynamics and Ecosystem Responses
  • 4 — Scientific cooperation and diplomacy
  • 5 — Co-Production and Indigenous-led methodologies
  • 6 — Preparing present and future generations through Education, Outreach, Communication, Capacity Building, and Networking
  • 7 — Technology, Infrastructure, Logistics, and Services.
By 2025, TFS will be better prepared to support research initiatives that emerge from the ICARP IV process. TFS will have formed relationships with other international organizations and partners.
By September 2024, TFS will have nominated representatives to relevant working groups, participated in the ICARP IV process, and will have influence into the priorities that will emerge from this process.

Private Fundraising in our 50th Year

Host a 50th anniversary celebration and fundraiser. Determine how to strategically seize the fundraising and friend-raising opportunities that align with our mission of addressing climate change safely, sustainably, and equitably.
By 2028, we will have fundraised at least $500,000 for both ongoing and new donation-based efforts via an extensive network of Toolik alumni, staff, visiting artists, a Toolik friends group, and private individuals/charitable organizations.
By September 2024, TFS will have a venue, date, and draft agenda and promotional content for a 50th anniversary celebration. Draft fundraising targets will have been identified and invitations will be issued to an extensive list of Toolik alumni over the past 50 years and potential donors.

 

Our Year 1 projects are a team effort. If you would like to participate in any of these efforts, please contact the Toolik management team at uaf-iab-toolik@alaska.edu.