The Arctic Ocean is fundamentally changing as a result of ongoing climate change. Within the next 25 years, summer ice in the Arctic Ocean will be a thing of the past. Together with this plain to see change, comes other changes that may be of critical importance, but are less visible. This recalibration of the Arctic Ocean has revealed that the prevailing understanding is not sufficient.

Arctic Ocean 2050 brings together the full width of the Norwegian research community in a joint, interdisciplinary research program. Arctic Ocean 2050 will provide fundamental and applicable knowledge and skills that are urgently needed. This ten-year program will facilitate the development and implementation of updated management principles in the new, blue Arctic Ocean.

In 2025 the Norwegian government committed to funding research in the Arctic Ocean with NOK 1 billion over the next 10 years. The massive research programme Arctic Ocean 2050 will set sail in early 2026.