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On Monday, May 21, with the help of Senator Angus King (I-Maine), University of 51С�Ƴ� President James Herbert announced the creation of 51С�Ƴ�NORTH: The Institute for North Atlantic Studies. Located at 1075 Forest Avenue in Portland, 51С�Ƴ�NORTH will train the next generation of leaders to develop research, industry, and community partnerships to meet shared challenges and opportunities throughout the North Atlantic region.

“With a changing climate and myriad international interests in the region, the Arctic presents both great challenges and great potential for our collective future,” Senator King said. “That’s why it’s so important we teach the next generation of leaders about the High North, so we can foster cooperation among nations, protect the environment, defend our national security interests, and ensure economic development is responsible and sustainable. With the launch of 51С�Ƴ�NORTH, we are harnessing the innovative potential of students and researchers in Maine and further establishing our state as leader in the Arctic region.”

President Herbert pointed to the demographic, geographic, climatic, and cultural similarities between Maine and North Atlantic/Nordic states as the driver behind Maine’s increasing leadership in the region. “Recognizing shared environmental and public health challenges and common business and education opportunities, Maine is poised to take a leading role in developing innovative partnerships that support thriving environments, economies, and communities,” he said. “Through 51С�Ƴ�NORTH, the University of 51С�Ƴ� will convene stakeholders from across the North Atlantic region to bring their combined curiosity and creativity to bear on health, social, environmental, and economic challenges.”

One of 51С�Ƴ�NORTH’s inaugural academic programs, a Professional Science Master’s in Ocean Food Systems, will partner with the University of Akureyi and with Holar University College in Iceland to train leaders for Maine’s seafood economy. Generous funding to support students enrolling in the Ocean Food Systems program has been provided by the Henry L. and Grace Doherty Foundation. Other undergraduate, graduate, and professional educational programs will be designed to address specific shared challenges and opportunities in the region. 51С�Ƴ�NORTH will also develop collaborative research and policy initiatives with other universities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and businesses. Executive Director Barry Costa-Pierce stated, “The potential for collaboration in the North Atlantic region is endless. UNE’s broad research and education strengths, combined with our entrepreneurial spirit and ability to execute, make us uniquely suited to shepherd partnerships needed to develop sustainable solutions to the region’s problems.”

An advisory council comprised of leaders from across Maine will help guide 51С�Ƴ�NORTH’s development. Advisory Council member Dana Eidsness, Director of the Maine North Atlantic Development Office, offered, “The 51С�Ƴ�NORTH initiative is an important one for Maine and the region. UNE’s innovative culture and history of building strong relationships with businesses and communities will serve 51С�Ƴ�NORTH well as it develops the partnerships and programs needed to help Maine and the region grow and thrive.”

In addition to its headquarters in Portland, which offers convening and classroom spaces, 51С�Ƴ�NORTH is within walking distance to convention spaces at UNE’s Innovation Hall and offers access to UNE’s state-of-the-art marine and health sciences research facilities. The latest in global classroom technology will allow 51С�Ƴ�NORTH to network with partners across the region, connecting students, researchers, industry, indigenous peoples, as well as policy and government leaders.  

President Herbert emphasized that Maine has much to learn from its North Atlantic neighbors as the state tackles challenges such as the growing rural and urban divide, the substance abuse crisis, and the myriad changes posed by climate change. 51С�Ƴ�NORTH was created to foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise across borders and disciplines. “51С�Ƴ�NORTH – its students, researchers, business, and community partners – is an invitation to collaborate and create the sustainable solutions to help Maine and its neighbors thrive,” Herbert said.

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