Anna-Sofie Skjervedal, PhD

As Head of Secretariat at the Arctic Hub I am in charge of the daily management and strategic development of the newly established secretariat locally anchoraged at a beautiful spot in the heart of the research community in one of the world’s smallest capitals: Nuuk in Greenland. At the Arctic Hub, we work to build bridges between science and community. We make sure the traffic of knowledge goes both ways, so that knowledge from science can benefit society at large, from decision-makers to citizens, and so that researchers become aware of knowledge gaps experienced by e.g., business and industry, or government officials. We want to take knowledge out of the deal drawer, and make it more accessible and put into active use. We bring people together across fields of expertise and national boarders, and we ‘translate’ and disseminate knowledge from research through video production and articles.

What keeps you going?

The Arctic Hub is a brand new initiative. It has never been done before in Greenland. The drawing board is open and it is exciting to be able to build something from scratch. Also, I get to link my knowledge and experience from research in practice, which is so satisfying. It simply makes good sense. Building and developing the Arctic Hub from the bottom requires a team effort. I enjoy working with my small but talented and truly engaged team. That means everything, and makes it so much more fun. Furthermore, the work that we do is meaningful and fills a gap in this world. This keeps me going.

What’s your message to the world?

Know your core values, be true to them, and live by them. They may change over time, but this is natural as you grow from your experiences and learn something new. Never stop being curious – about yourself, the people you meet, and the world around you.