Following a visit to Saint-Petersburg University in early 2014, UArctic President, Lars Kullerud received a signed invitation from N.M. Kropachev, Rector of Saint-Petersburg State University, Russia, confirming his institution’s willingness to host the first UArctic Congress in 2016. 

Successively, at the annual meeting of the Council of UArctic in May 2014, and 2014 UArctic Rectors’ Forum in June, member representatives endorsed the Board’s decision requesting that a “UArctic Congress” be arranged in 2016.

The UArctic Congress brings together key UArctic meetings into one single gathering, including meetings of the Board, Council, Rectors’ Forum, Student Forum, as well as the Thematic Networks Leadership Team. At the same time, the Congress will serve as a public conference on issues relevant to Higher Education and Research in the Circumpolar North.

UArctic President, Lars Kullerud and Vice-President Organisation, Outi Snellman will visit Saint Petersburg in September for a preparatory meeting for the setting of the 2016 Congress dates.