INQ at the heart of the Arctic Circle Assembly: a unique experience for Quebec finalists in the My Northern Project competition

From 16 to 18 October 2025, Institut nordique du Québec (INQ) and its partners took part in the Arctic Circle Assembly (ACA) in Reykjavík, the largest international forum dedicated to the future of the Arctic regions. As it does every year, the INQ offered the finalists of the Mon projet nordique science communication competition an exceptional experience by including them in the Quebec delegation.

In this article, immerse yourself in the experiences of the Quebec student delegation. The delegation was deployed by INQ between October 15 and 18, 2025 and was comprised of Alexandrine Roy (ULaval), Elisabeth Guillet-Beaulieu (UdeM), Cindy Dumais (ULaval), Victorine Lambert (McGill) and Michaël Thibault (INRS). 

September 30, 2025 | A preparatory workshop to refine their presentations

_{Photo, left to right: Brigitte Bigué (INQ), Alexandrine Roy (ULaval), Elisabeth Guillet-Beaulieu (UdeM), Cindy Dumais (ULaval), Victorine Lambert (McGill University), Michaël Thibault (INRS) and Valérie Levée (science journalist).}

To prepare Quebec finalists for the international final, INQ organises an annual workshop for the students where every aspect of their presentation is analysed: body language, clarity of message, visual quality and fluency in English. This exercise, which is always appreciated, is a special opportunity for collaboration and creativity. For several years now, science journalist Valérie Levée has contributed her expertise in science communication to this workshop, offering constructive feedback to participants.

Wednesday October 15, 2025 | The mission is underway

October 15 marked the official start of the Quebec delegation's mission to the Arctic Circle Assembly. The five finalists began their experience with a guided tour of downtown Reykjavik, discovering its iconic landmarks and historic moments.

In the evening, the Canadian Embassy in Iceland hosted a welcome reception for the Quebec finalists and other Canadian participants in the ACA. This gathering provided a unique opportunity for networking and an introduction to international diplomacy.

Thursday October 16, 2025 | ACA opening

As well as attending conferences, the students helped to run the INQ booth at the event throughout the week. This strategic meeting and exchange point provided an ideal opportunity to establish contacts and highlight Quebec's important role in northern and Arctic research.

A meeting was also organised between the Quebec and international finalists of the My Northern Project competition. Held early in the event, this meeting aimed to provide students with the essential information they needed before the competition began, answer any questions they might have and, above all, introduce them to each other so they could network and participate together in the various activities offered as part of the ACA.

^{Photo, left to right, Jean-Éric Tremblay (INQ), Brigitte Bigué (INQ), Michaël Thibault (INRS), Cindy Dumais (Université Laval), Jenny Hill (Ambaasador of Canada to Iceland), Alexandrine Roy (Université Laval), Victorine Lambert (Université McGill) et Elisabeth Guillet-Beaulieu (UdeM).}

Later in the day, the Quebec students had the opportunity to talk with Jenny Hill, Canada's Ambassador to Iceland. This meeting allowed them to present their research projects in layman's terms and, thanks to Ms. Hill's explanations, discover the behind-the-scenes work of a Canadian ambassador abroad. Finally, the Quebec finalists attended a session entitled Inuit autonomous economic governance in Nunavik, Nunavut and Kalaallit Nunaat, co-organised by UQAM, INQ and the Government of Quebec. This session was moderated by Emilie Fortin-Lefebvre, professor at UQAM, director of the Centre for Studies on the Economic Autonomy of Indigenous Peoples (AEPA) and researcher affiliated with INQ.  

Friday October 17, 2025 | Meeting with the Quebec delegation and the international final of My Northern Project

The day began with a meeting with the entire Quebec delegation attending the event for a photo opportunity. 

Mon projet nordique / My Northern Project finalists 2025. left to right : Michaël Thibault (INRS), Cindy Dumais (Université Laval), Elisabeth Guillet-Beaulieu (Université de Montréal), Alexandrine Roy (Université Laval), Lluïsa Puig Moner (UiT – The Arctic University of Norway), Marianna Leoni (University of Oulu), Caroline Elisabeth Haas (University of Iceland), Victorine Lambert (McGill University), Tordis Tróndarson (University of the Faroe Islands).

Later that day, the international final of the Mon projet nordique / My Northern Project science communication competition was held. Organised jointly by INQ and UArctic, this session attracted more than 60 spectators. The five Quebec students brilliantly presented their projects alongside their counterparts from Finland, Iceland, Norway and Denmark. At the end of the presentations, the jury selected two winners: Michaël Thibault, a doctoral student at INRS, and Caroline Hass, a doctoral student at the University of St Andrews and the University of Iceland. 

The day concluded with Quebec Night, organised by the Government of Quebec, showcasing Quebec's northern expertise.

Saturday October 18, 2025 | End of the mission

On the last day of the Arctic Circle Assembly, the Quebec finalists attended conferences, including one by ArcticNet on the links between research and Arctic defence, and visited the Tara Polar Station, a ship designed to be trapped in ice in order to become an observatory of the central Arctic basin.

In conclusion

Over four busy days, the Quebec student delegation enjoyed an exceptional immersion in northern and Arctic issues. Between diplomatic meetings, specialized conferences, international networking, and the final round of the My Northern Project competition, the students were able to broaden their horizons and strengthen their scientific communication skills. This participation in the Arctic Circle Assembly once again demonstrates the INQ's commitment to supporting the next generation of northern researchers by offering them formative experiences that will shape their academic careers.