Battelle Team Finds Value at Arctic Circle Assembly

Battelle Solvers have years of experience working in the Arctic, from those who have worked on polar programs in various capacities to the National Science Foundation (NSF) 10-year contract for Arctic Research Support and Logistics Services. You can find some of these solver stories here.

So it made a great deal of sense for a group of Battelle staff to attend the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, Iceland in October.  The assembly marked its 11th session and proved to be the largest gathering to date, reflecting not only Battelle’s focus but growing global interest in Arctic affairs. This year's assembly introduced two significant initiatives: The Arctic Circle Business Forum and the Polar Dialogue, aimed at fostering discussions on the pressing challenges posed by the changing climate and enhancing the involvement of various stakeholders in the region.

Battelle staff leveraged the opportunity to host two sessions amid the bustling conference of 2,500 participants from more than 70 countries. Representatives of the non-profit created some exciting new partnerships that will be detailed in the future and strengthened existing collaborations. The event underscored the importance of community and dialogue in addressing Arctic issues, with a strong focus on environmental and health innovations.

A Battelle highlight of the Assembly was the Polar Technology Showcase, an opportunity to display some of our cutting-edge technologies tailored for Arctic conditions and changing environments.  A few technologies presented were:

• RavenStar™ - An ultra-wideband technology that provides the necessary aperture to unlock the future of RF multi-function. 
• Polar Navigation – An advanced sensor fusion and scene visualization technology that enables enhanced navigation in zero-visibility snowfall conditions.
• PFAS Remediation - Innovative technologies to identify, discriminate, remediate and replace PFAS and other emerging contaminants. 
• Models of waste handling, pathogen surveillance, and wearable devices for improving human performance and reducing stress via neuromodulation.

In addition to an expert technological show-and-tell, Battelle staff hosted a tour through the area’s countryside for some Arctic government officials. The group experienced off-roading through valleys, rivers, mountains, hot springs and deep snow terrain, testing and showcasing some of the innovative technologies that had been displayed at the Assembly. The polar technologies test drive offered an immersive experience into the natural beauty and challenging conditions of the Arctic landscape. The tour provided safe and efficient insights into how these technologies can be utilized in extreme environments, emphasizing their importance in future Arctic explorations and operations.

The 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly successfully highlighted the critical issues facing the Arctic region, from environmental to technological challenges. The introduction of new forums and the continued emphasis on innovative solutions demonstrate the Assembly's commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and action in the Arctic, a strategy endorsed by Battelle. The Polar Technology Showcase, in particular, offered a tangible look at the tools available for navigating and thriving in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. As Senator Lisa Murkowski said, “Our best future isn’t America alone, but the Arctic aligned.”