GRONLANDS NATURINSTITUT

Their core work

Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (Grønlands Naturinstitut) is Greenland's primary research body for Arctic environmental science, marine biology, and terrestrial ecosystem monitoring based in Nuuk. They conduct field research on Arctic wildlife — from marine mammals and fish stocks to terrestrial biodiversity — and operate monitoring infrastructure across Greenland's coastlines and inland areas. The institute plays a critical role as a local knowledge hub, integrating Indigenous knowledge with scientific observation to understand climate-driven changes in Arctic ecosystems. They also contribute research vessels, field stations, and long-term environmental datasets to pan-Arctic research networks.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early H2020 work (2015–2018) focused on building pan-Arctic research infrastructure, coordinating polar science networks (EU-PolarNet, INTERACT), and contributing to integrated observation systems (INTAROS). From 2019 onward, their portfolio shifted decisively toward understanding the societal consequences of Arctic change — Indigenous knowledge co-development, community livelihoods, adaptive co-management, and ecosystem services under stress (FACE-IT, ArcticHubs, Arctic PASSION, WARMM). This evolution reflects a move from "measuring the Arctic" to "understanding what Arctic change means for the people who live there."

They are moving toward community-engaged, impact-oriented Arctic research — future partners should expect strong emphasis on Indigenous knowledge integration and socio-ecological approaches.

How they like to work

Predominantly a participant in large consortia (10 of 12 projects), with only one coordinator role (WARMM), indicating they contribute deep Arctic field expertise rather than leading administrative efforts. With 230 unique partners across 38 countries, they are exceptionally well-connected for an institution based in a territory of 56,000 people — this reflects their unique geographic position making them a sought-after partner for any Arctic-focused consortium. Their consistent presence across multiple phases of the same projects (e.g., INTERACT I and II) suggests they are a reliable, long-term collaborator.

An extraordinarily broad network of 230 partners across 38 countries, far exceeding what their small institutional size would suggest. Their partnerships span from Nordic and European research institutions to North American and pan-Arctic networks, making them a key connector between Greenlandic/Arctic field knowledge and the wider European research community.

What sets them apart

They are the only H2020 research institution based in Greenland, offering irreplaceable on-the-ground access to Arctic ecosystems, fjord systems, ice sheets, and marine environments that no European mainland partner can replicate. Their dual strength — rigorous environmental science combined with deep relationships with Greenlandic Indigenous communities — makes them uniquely able to deliver both hard data and community-grounded insights. For any consortium working on Arctic climate change, marine ecology, or polar infrastructure, they are not just a desirable partner but often an essential one.

Highlights from their portfolio

• WARMM
  Their only coordinator role (EUR 286,922) — signals institutional ambition in marine mammal climate research and their readiness to lead.
• FACE-IT
  Largest single grant (EUR 444,892) focused on Arctic coastal ecosystem transitions, combining fjord science with Indigenous community engagement.
• INTERACT
  Participated in both phases (2016–2021 and 2020–2024), demonstrating long-term commitment to pan-Arctic research infrastructure and terrestrial monitoring.