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The UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Urban Planning and Design shares its 2026 Year in Review, highlighting key activities, collaborations and achievements from the past year.

The 2026 Year in Review of the UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Urban Planning and Design is now available!

The report presents highlights from the network's activities, research collaborations, events and achievements throughout the year.

Thank you to all network partners and collaborators for their contributions.

Read the full report here:

https://www.uarctic.org/media/zldpcl5a/year-in-review-arctic-urban-planning-and-design-2026.pdf

Learn more about the network:

https://www.uarctic.org/activities/thematic-networks/arctic-urban-planning-and-design/

What are the main findings?

• Blue-green algal strain, Leptolyngbya subtilis JUCHE1 (LS) and Waste Textile Polyester (WTP) show synergism and an increase in Comprehensive Pyrolysis Index (CPI) during co-pyrolysis.
• Presence of small proportion of LS in LS-WTP mixture reduces the activation energy requirement.
• Presence of small proportion of LS in LS-WTP mixture enhances the volatile (bio-oil and gas) yield of co-pyrolysis.

What are the implications of the main findings?

• Pyrolysis of polymeric waste can reduce burden on waste management along with the generation of biofuel and chemicals.
• LS, a fouling alga in power plant cooling towers, as well as other similar fouling algal biomasses can be effectively co-pyrolysed with textile polymer wastes reinforcing the biorefinery concept supporting circular economy.

Congratulations to Professor Mohamad Y. Mustafa on his appointment as an Arctic Chair at UiT- The Arctic University of Norway The Arctic University of Norway, within The Arctic Six alliance (https://www.arcticsix.org/).
This is a proud moment for our group. Prof. Mohamad Y. Mustafa has been central to building the research and collaborative spirit that defines BEaM, and this recognition reflects years of dedication to advancing sustainable energy and Arctic research.
The Arctic Chair role opens up opportunities to deepen international partnerships and tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing Arctic regions, from energy security to the green transition. We're especially excited about the work ahead in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and sustainable energy systems, areas where our team has been active and where cross-border collaboration matters most.

Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, Elsevier
CiteScore -  12.9
Impact Factor - 6.9

Full Article on ScienceDirect:  Comparative analysis of thermally enhanced biobased phase change materials: a critical review of factors governing thermal conductivity enhancement

The event celebrated the contributions of women in science and engineering and brought together researchers and professionals from multiple institutions.
We congratulate Prof. Calay and are proud to see our research group and the Department of Building, Energy and Material Technology at UiT- The Arctic University of Norway represented on this international platform promoting women in STEM and advancing engineering research.