HSE University Holds Its First Summer School in Svalbard

© HSE University

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies at the Institute for Economics of Natural Resources and Climate Change organised HSE University's first summer school on international relations in the Svalbard archipelago. Alongside lectures and fieldwork, 14 participants from Russia and South Korea developed practical solutions for implementing multilateral cooperation projects in the Arctic.

Over two weeks in June, students worked in the High Arctic aboard the research vessel Professor Molchanov and in the settlements of Barentsburg and Pyramiden. Leading experts in international relations delivered lectures and supervised the programme. The summer school was supported by the Arktikugol State Trust (Federal State Unitary Enterprise) and the Northern Forum. Korea Maritime and Ocean University also made a significant contribution to the organisation of the programme.

The curriculum combined lectures with collaborative group projects prepared by student teams. Participants were tasked with developing practical solutions to case studies focused on international cooperation in the Arctic and Svalbard. The teams presented proposals aimed at strengthening international scientific dialogue within the framework of the International Research and Education Centre currently being established in Svalbard, increasing the archipelago's appeal as a tourist destination, and promoting these initiatives through effective communications, particularly via social media. All projects were publicly presented and defended before an international panel of invited experts.

The scientific track focused on expanding research in Svalbard in areas considered particularly promising for the Russian settlements on the archipelago, taking into account their economic profile. The presence of operating coal mines and an established mining community provides a unique setting for new sociological research. In addition, participants proposed launching digital detox experiments, using the archipelago's geographical isolation as a natural laboratory for studying human behaviour, communication, and psychological well-being during prolonged periods without digital devices.

The tourism track concentrated on improving transport links and expanding opportunities for travel to Svalbard. Key proposals included improving transport accessibility, developing seasonal travel routes, expanding visitor infrastructure, and creating new tourism products that showcase the archipelago's unique natural environment and rich historical and cultural heritage. Particular attention was given to cooperation with local operators and the development of sustainable service supply chains.

The communications track focused on promoting the International Research and Education Centre through a comprehensive media strategy. Students proposed an integrated approach that included content plans for social media, the development of a unified visual identity and communications concept, and the production of a wide range of media content, from short videos and social media posts to in-depth reports and digests. The strategy prioritises not only raising awareness but also engaging audiences and fostering lasting interest in both the centre's activities and Arctic issues more broadly.

Ekaterina Guteneva

‘It was not easy, but we came together as a team and tried to create something that could genuinely benefit the Arctic and contribute to the development of Russia's international Arctic scientific cooperation,’ said Ekaterina Guteneva, a first-year master's student of the International Relations: European and Asian Studies programme at HSE University. ‘There were times when we stayed up all night preparing for our project defence, but it was worth it if our ideas, innovative solutions, and proposals have the opportunity to be put into practice for the benefit of such an extraordinary place as Svalbard.’

Daniil Agafonov

Daniil Agafonov, a graduate of HSE University's International Relations: European and Asian Studies programme, said that the summer school provided a truly unforgettable experience. Studying international socio-political processes in the Arctic firsthand offered an entirely new perspective, he noted. ‘We carried out comprehensive work and presented the experts with our own vision for developing the scientific activities of the International Research and Education Centre in Svalbard. Svalbard became a place where we were able to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience,’ said Daniil Agafonov.

Lim Haram

The most rewarding part of the international summer school was undoubtedly the fieldwork, said expedition participant Lim Haram, Secretary General of the Institute of International Maritime Affairs at Korea Maritime and Ocean University. ‘I had never before taken part in field research at such high latitudes. The landscape was extraordinary, and everything felt incredibly exotic to me. The highlight was probably our visit to Barentsburg. If I have the opportunity to join the next summer school, I would gladly do it again,’ he noted.

During the summer school, several cooperation agreements were also signed: between HSE University and the Arktikugol State Trust; between the Northern Forum and the Arktikugol State Trust; and between the Institute of International Maritime Affairs at Korea Maritime and Ocean University and the Arktikugol State Trust. These agreements are intended to establish long-term partnerships and define areas for joint research and academic exchanges over the coming years.

The expedition participants also plan to produce a documentary film about the international summer school. The film will feature interviews with organisers, guest lecturers, participants, and local residents, as well as unique footage of the archipelago's Arctic landscapes.

Irina Strelnikova, Director of the HSE Centre for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies

‘The international summer school served as a pilot project which, despite the challenging geopolitical environment, not only helps maintain and develop international cooperation in the Arctic but also directly contributes to strengthening Russia's position in the region. Particular emphasis was placed on engaging young people: participants did not simply study Arctic issues in theory but had the opportunity to observe the subjects of their research firsthand, significantly enhancing the quality of their work. We are deeply grateful to our partner, the Arktikugol State Trust, for its warm hospitality, comprehensive programme, and unwavering support and mentorship, which enabled the students to address the challenges they were set and develop practical, realistic solutions. Given the project's strategic importance, we hope the summer school will become an annual event. We are already open to new partnerships and are discussing the possibility of organising another school next year with new international partners and invited speakers. In the current geopolitical climate, it is particularly important to make use of the tools of soft diplomacy to advance Russia's interests in the Arctic and in Svalbard.’