International Arctic Research Center

IARC's purpose is to understand the Arctic to make a difference Our core values Useful, actionable science Our research responds to society’s needs in a changing Arctic and world. Deeper understanding Our emphasis on fundamental research sets the groundwork for understanding and responding to Arctic change. Grounded in place Living and working in Alaska, gives us an holistic knowledge and understanding of the Arctic. We value what the North and its people teach us. Inclusion and diversity We actively cultivate an environment where all individuals and groups feel welcomed and heard. Our different experiences, expertise, and ways of knowing are our strength, creating diverse thoughts and ideas. Innovation and expertise Drawing on our expertise, we value a culture of creativity that fosters innovation. Collaboration We solve problems through local to international collaboration with different disciplines, knowledge systems, and by engaging with government agencies. **Our history** By the 1990s, climate change had become an important subject that urgently needed international study. IARC was founded in 1999 at UAF through an agreement between Japan and the United States “to demonstrate our ability to solve, jointly, problems that are beyond what any one nation can address” as outlined in the agreement signed by President Clinton and Prime Minister Hashimoto in 1997. Syun-Ichi Akasofu, Founding Director, 1999-2007. Dr. Akasofu was instrumental in creating the Frontier Program as well as cooperative agreements with Japanese agencies and the US National Science Foundation. Larry Hinzman, Director 2007-2015. Dr. Hinzman deepened collaborations with international partners and broadened the base of competitive funding in the US. Hajo Eicken, Director 2015–present. A renowned sea ice specialist, Dr. Eicken has been hailed for his work in disseminating knowledge to researchers and the public. Using western science and Native observations, he has advanced the understanding of sea ice dynamics, demonstrating the value of traditional knowledge in environmental science.