The Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) 2025, held from March 20 to 28 in Boulder, Colorado, convened a diverse assembly of Arctic researchers, Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Organized by the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), this annual event fosters coordination and collaboration among scientific organizations engaged in Arctic research.
A central feature of ASSW 2025 was the Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV) Summit, conducted from March 25 to 28 under the theme “Arctic Research Planning for the Next Decade”. This summit marked the culmination of a multi-year process initiated in 2022, aimed at identifying critical research priorities for the forthcoming decade. Discussions encompassed a range of topics, including the Arctic’s role in the global system, climate dynamics, ecosystem responses, and the co-production of knowledge with Indigenous communities.
The event was attended by Chantelle Verhey who co-convened the session ‘Data-Driven Research: Streamlining Collaboration Between Repositories and Researchers session’ and presented on ‘Polar Data Search and Mobilization Pathways’. Chantelle also provided Arctic Data Committee updates to the IASC secretariat and the SAON Executive committee.
A recurring theme throughout ASSW 2025 and the ICARP IV Summit was the pivotal role of data in advancing open science in the Arctic. Open access to high-quality, interoperable, and ethically collected data is foundational for enhancing transparency, reproducibility, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. In the context of Arctic research—where logistical challenges, rapidly changing environmental conditions, and a diversity of knowledge systems intersect—data sharing supports more inclusive and equitable science. Furthermore, open data practices facilitate meaningful engagement with Indigenous knowledge holders and local communities, ensuring that research outcomes are not only scientifically robust but also socially relevant and responsive to northern priorities.
The outcomes of the ICARP IV Summit are anticipated to significantly influence the direction of Arctic research, laying the groundwork for the Fifth International Polar Year scheduled for 2032–33. By integrating diverse perspectives and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, ASSW 2025 has contributed to a comprehensive and inclusive framework for addressing the complex challenges facing the Arctic region.