Arctic Research Foundation

Arctic Research Foundation
Name	Arctic Research Foundation
Founded	2011
Type	Non-profit research organization
Focus	Arctic exploration and science
Headquarters	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Key people	Jim Balsillie (Co-founder), Adrian Schimnowski (CEO)

Arctic Research Foundation. The Arctic Research Foundation is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and exploration in the Arctic. Founded in the early 21st century, it supports multidisciplinary research through expeditions, technological innovation, and partnerships with academic and governmental institutions. Its work focuses on marine archaeology, climate science, and supporting the research priorities of Indigenous communities across the Canadian Arctic.

History

The foundation was established in 2011, with significant early support and vision from Canadian entrepreneur Jim Balsillie. Its formation was partly inspired by and involved in the search for the lost ships of the Franklin expedition, a pivotal event in the history of Arctic exploration. In 2014, the foundation provided critical technological support to Parks Canada during the discovery of HMS Erebus in the waters near King William Island. This success was followed by the location of the second ship, HMS Terror, in 2016, achievements that brought international attention to the organization. These early missions cemented its role as a key player in modern Arctic research and underwater archaeology.

Research and expeditions

The foundation conducts and facilitates a wide array of scientific expeditions across the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. A core area of research involves studying the effects of climate change on sea ice, permafrost, and marine ecosystems in regions like the Beaufort Sea and Northwest Passage. It has also been instrumental in several archaeological projects beyond the Franklin expedition, including surveys related to Royal Navy history and pre-contact Indigenous sites. Multidisciplinary missions often investigate oceanography, marine biology, and geology, contributing data to institutions like the University of Manitoba and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Vessels and equipment

The foundation operates and deploys specialized research vessels and equipment designed for extreme polar conditions. Its flagship is the MV *Arctic*, a converted fishing trawler equipped with advanced sonar systems, remotely operated vehicles, and laboratory spaces. The organization also utilizes the R/V *Martin Bergmann*, a research vessel named for a noted University of Alberta researcher. For shallow-water and ice-edge work, it employs small survey boats and innovative technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles, which were crucial in the discoveries of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.

Key personnel and governance

The foundation's strategic direction has been shaped by its board of directors and executive leadership. Co-founder Jim Balsillie, former co-CEO of BlackBerry Limited, has been a principal figure in its establishment and funding. Day-to-day operations and expedition leadership have been managed by Chief Executive Officer Adrian Schimnowski. The organization collaborates closely with renowned scientists and archaeologists, such as those from Parks Canada's underwater archaeology team, and often includes experts from the Canadian Hydrographic Service and various Inuit communities on its missions.

Collaborations and partnerships

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the foundation's model, involving partnerships with federal agencies, academic institutions, and Inuit organizations. It has worked extensively with Parks Canada on archaeological discoveries and with Fisheries and Oceans Canada on ocean science. Academic partners include the University of Calgary, the University of Victoria, and the Arctic Institute of North America. The foundation also maintains strong ties with Inuit communities and regional entities like the Kitikmeot Heritage Society to ensure research aligns with Indigenous knowledge and priorities.

Impact and findings

The foundation's impact is evident in major historical discoveries and significant contributions to contemporary Arctic science. The location of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror solved one of the greatest mysteries in Royal Navy history and provided new insights into 19th-century Arctic exploration. Its climate research has contributed valuable data on sea ice loss and marine ecosystem changes, informing studies by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. By integrating Western science with Inuit knowledge, the foundation has helped shape a more collaborative and holistic approach to research and stewardship in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Category:Research organizations in Canada Category:Arctic research Category:Organizations established in 2011