This year’s Critical Arctic Studies Symposium will be organized 25–26 August 2026 in Kemi, Finland.

Theme of the symposium is “Waterscapes in the Bothnian Bay and beyond”. Symposium aims to push the boundaries of water studies in social and cultural sciences, encouraging a deeper understanding of water beyond its traditional role as a natural resource to be governed, owned, and used.

Call for Papers is now open:

Symposium organizers invite conceptual, methodological, artistic and empirical papers from various disciplines and fields that discuss the theme of the symposium. Deadline for abstract submission is 31 May 2026. More information and instructions here: arcticcentre.org/cass2026

Important Dates
31.3. First call for papers to be published
31.4. Second call for papers to be published
31.5. Deadline for abstract submission
18.6. Acceptance of abstracts and the program to be published
10.8. Deadline for registration for participants
The symposium is arranged in a hybrid mode. There is no participation fee.

Organizing Team
Research professor Monica Tennberg,
University researcher Hannah Strauss-Mazzullo,
University researcher Sohvi Kangasluoma, and
Doctoral candidate Heidi Konttinen,
Critical Arctic Studies research team, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland

The event is part of the activities of the Sustainable Nature Cultures (SUMU) research community at the University of Lapland.

The event is also a part of the UArctic CAS thematic network’s activities. The network aims to challenge mainstream, simplified, and stereotypical understandings of the Arctic and its development, engage more standpoints and voices for diverse reflective assessments of policy, and elevate the area’s and its future’s importance on a global scale. For more information, visit criticalarcticstudies.com .

(Banner photo: Heidi Konttinen)