About SSF
Hundreds of researchers from approx. 30 nations run research and monitoring programs in Svalbard every year. By providing information about infrastructure and activities and by facilitating coordination, collaboration and data sharing between researchers, the SSF averts unnecessary duplication and encourages a smaller environmental footprint from research in Svalbard. Better coordinated activities also advances more unique and in-depth scientific research.
Svalbard Science Forum (SSF) plays an important role in one of the world's most attractive destinations for polar and climate research.
The Ministry of Education and Research laid down a new mandate for the SSF in 2019:
The overall objective of Svalbard Science Forum (SSF) is to contribute to increased scientific quality in research in Svalbard.
The Forum shall contribute to good coordination of research activities in Svalbard. SSF shall offer integrated and accessible information about all research in Svalbard. The Forum shall further develop and strengthen collaboration between both individual researchers and research institutions in Svalbard. SSF's work shall make it easier for researchers and institutions to obtain necessary support and guidance about infrastructure and research services available in Svalbard. SSF shall also contribute to place Svalbard research in i a larger pan-Arctic and global perspective.
The Forum shall serve as a coordinating and advisory body for all key players in research activities in Svalbard.
The SSF is coordinated by the Research Council of Norway, which also employs the staff of the SSF secretariat. The offices of the SSF secretariat are located in Longyearbyen.