ArcArc - Arctic Archaeology

The primary motivation for establishing the research group ArcArc was a perceived need for a group designed for and based on the research interests of archaeologists at The Arctic University Museum of Norway. The purpose of the group is to increase the quality and breadth of archaeological research within the museum, through providing individual researchers and existing contact networks between researchers an arena for formulating new ideas, cooperation and network development. Group activity will be built on a broad thematic foundation that includes all aspects of “northern” archaeology.

The Research group goals are:

To contribute to the creation of an attractive academic and social environment for researchers, and students at the Ph.D. and M.A. level. To link the abundant data generated through our cultural heritage management investigations to relevant research themes, in order to activate them more systematically into our research of northern areas. To accommodate more thematically based interdisciplinary collaboration with the museum through being part of an active research group in northern archaeology.

Background for the research group:

ArcArc was initiated in 2017 with the goal of increasing the quality and coverage of collective archaeological research at the museum by providing individual researchers and existing research networks, including Ph.D. students, an arena for formulating new ideas, cooperation and network building.

The research basis for the group is in accord with UiTs overarching strategy plan for 2014-2020 regarding research on continuity and change in society in the northern areas and Tromsø University Museums strategy plan for 2014-2020 which seeks to guarantee access for the population at large to new knowledge regarding regional cultural history.

The creation of a research group in archaeology must also be viewed within the context of the recommendations of St.meld. nr.15 (2007-2008) Tingenes tale – Universitetsmuseene produced by the Ministry of Education and Research. This document emphasized the need to strengthen research activity and research leadership in order to improve the potential for university museums to satisfy their societal responsibilities as a knowledge provider in relation to cultural heritage management.