Strengthening northern ties: Nordic delegation visits UCalgary to deepen research and strategic collaboration

The University of Calgary welcomed a distinguished delegation to campus this fall, continuing a tradition of deepening international partnerships across research, innovation and strategic dialogue. 

Co-ordinated by the Norwegian Embassy to Canada, the visit brought together ambassadors from Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, along with Calgary-based honorary consuls for Finland and Norway. 

The delegation met with UCalgary leadership and researchers to explore shared priorities in Arctic security, energy, health and critical minerals — areas where Nordic-Canadian collaboration continues to grow.

“Our collaborations reflect the breadth of what is possible: from joint research to student exchanges, Indigenous dialogue and even sport. In today’s rapidly changing world, deepening partnerships is both timely and essential," said UCalgary President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley. 

"UCalgary and the Nordic countries are natural allies in advancing research, education and innovation,” 

A roundtable of ideas

The delegation participated in a researcher roundtable hosted by Vice-President (Research) William Ghali, featuring UCalgary faculty working in Arctic studies, energy systems, health innovation and food security. 

The roundtable built on past engagements, including the 2022 event, The Nordics and NATO: The New Normal – Rebalancing Global Security.

“Our shared Arctic geography and values make collaboration with Nordic partners not just strategic, but essential," said Ghali.

 "Together, we’re exploring how to build resilient northern communities in the face of climate change and geopolitical shifts."

Nordic connections run deep

UCalgary’s ties to Nordic institutions span decades and disciplines. Highlights include:

• Iceland: More than 100 joint publications, with strong collaborations in climate science and medicine.
• Denmark: More than 1,000 co-authored publications and robust partnerships in research and student mobility. Denmark is a growing destination for UCalgary students, with 94 participating in exchange programs over the past five years, and 51 Danish students hosted in return.
• Norway: More than 700 joint publications and active collaborations in space science, Indigenous rights and sport. UCalgary is proud to host Norwegian speedskaters who train at the university’s world-class Olympic Oval.
• Finland: More than 500 joint publications and ongoing partnerships in quantum computing, health research and sport science.
• Sweden: More than 100 joint publications and continued academic and athletic exchanges. UCalgary hockey players have gone on to sign professional contracts with Swedish teams, including IF Troja-Ljungby and Färjestad BK.

“Canada and the Nordic countries share a commitment to innovation and sustainability," said Her Excellency Signe Burgstaller, Ambassador of Sweden to Canada. 

"Through initiatives like Horizon Europe, we can unlock new possibilities for joint research that benefits our societies and the global community.”  

With Canada now an associate member of Horizon Europe, we’re entering a new era of collaboration with European partners, said Buffy St-Amand, senior director, International, with UCalgary. 

"In a world facing complex challenges, working across borders isn’t just valuable — it’s vital. We’re excited to explore new opportunities with our Nordic colleagues and build partnerships that deliver real impact,” said St-Amand.