In a building more than a century old, among the twinkling lights on holiday trees, researchers, community members and friends gathered to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) on a chilly December night.
Maribeth Murray, executive director of the Arctic Institute. Photo Credit: Adrian Shellard
Taking place at The GRAND Theatre, Calgary's oldest theatre, guests were treated to screenings of archival films and artifact displays and heard about the importance of the Arctic to Canada and our national security, but also about the role of scientific cooperation in unique research taking place in the North.
Created in 1945, with origins at McGill University
The AINA was created by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a non-profit, tax-exempt research and educational organization. Originally based at McGill University in Montreal, the Institute moved to the University of Calgary in 1976. In 1979, the Institute became part of UCalgary as a university research institute.
Using a transdisciplinary approach, the Institute's mandate is to advance the study of the North American and circumpolar Arctic through the natural and social sciences, the arts, and humanities, and to acquire, preserve and disseminate information on physical, environmental and social conditions in the North.
"Since its founding in 1945, AINA has worked to advance and share knowledge and understanding of the Arctic, and its critical role in our shared global future," said the institute's executive director Dr. Maribeth Murray, PhD. "Over this time, the Arctic has changed in ways few could have imagined, yet the Institute has always maintained support for research and education on and about the Arctic, and continued dialogue to deepen our understanding."
While 2025 marked the Institute's 80th anniversary, 2026 marks AINA's 50th anniversary at UCalgary and the 65th anniversary of the Kluane Lake Research Station.
Stephanie Borgland, associate vice-president (research). Photo Credit: Adrian Shellard
"The study of Canada's Arctic is critical to understanding issues from climate change and sustainability, to security and sovereignty," said Dr. Stephanie Borgland, PhD, associate vice-president (research). "UCalgary and the Arctic Institute work together, applying a thoughtful and transdisciplinary approach to tackle the challenges, while also engaging in community-driven research practices to address the priorities of northern and Indigenous Peoples by co-developing, co-designing, and co-executing on research."
In 2013, the Arctic Institute had almost no external research funding. Today, AINA and its partners receive around $30 million from Canada, the United States, the European Commission, the Research Council of Norway and more, and has emerged as a leader in Arctic research.
"From climate science, genomics, historical ecology, marine science, renewable energy and food systems, to the development and implementation of an integrated multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural Arctic Observing System, the Arctic Institute is leading the way in these challenging times," added Murray.
In just six decades, the University of Calgary has grown into one of Canada's top research universities a community defined by bold ambition, entrepreneurial spirit and global impact. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we're honouring the people and stories that have shaped our past while looking ahead to an even more innovative future. UCalgary60 is about celebrating momentum, strengthening connections with our community and building excitement for what's next.
