Since 2013, the Arctic Dialogue has served as an important information exchange forum for strengthening open dialogue between Arctic research and policy in Germany. Initiated by the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), and guided by its German Arctic Office, the forum provides representatives of relevant German federal ministries, agencies, research institutions and civil society organisations with an opportunity to exchange on current developments, projects, scientific findings, field experiences and international networks in the region. The German Arctic Office organises meetings twice a year in cooperation with a host ministry or research institution. Ecologic Institute has regularly and actively contributed to the Arctic Dialogue since 2013.

The 27th Arctic Dialogue took place on 14 April 2026 at the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) in Potsdam. The dialogue brought together representatives from research, government, and Indigenous communities to discuss how Arctic research can be made more sustainable, equitable, and relevant through long-term partnerships and the co-production of knowledge.

The programme explored approaches to collaborative research that integrate scientific, Indigenous, and local knowledge systems. Presentations highlighted practical experiences from projects including SQUEEZE, BIRGEJUPMI, and Arctic PASSION, focusing on relationship building, trust, and the institutional conditions needed to support long-term, co-productive research. Participants also discussed how research funding frameworks could better accommodate adaptive, partnership-based approaches.

Arne Riedel and Fenja Kroos represented Ecologic Institute at the dialogue. During the institutional exchange, Arne Riedel presented Ecologic Institute's current work on Arctic governance and research. He also participated in the Sharing Circle, a dialogue format facilitated by Per-Henning Mathisen (Saami Council), which created space for participants from ministries, research institutions, and Indigenous organisations to exchange experiences and perspectives on equal footing.

The dialogue concluded with plans for a joint publication by AWI and RIFS, bringing together the key insights and recommendations for strengthening collaborative and co-produced Arctic research in the future.