On Sept 3rd, the chairman of JAUA, Lisa Horbec declared that our university (HEU) passed unanimously and became the Alliance Member of the University of the Arctic at the 21st Annual Arctic University Alliance Council in Olu, Finland. There were 21 universities receiving approval, including this university (HEU), HIT and Scott Polar Institute, University of Cambridge. Xue Yanzhuo, Deputy Dean of College of Shipbuilding Engineering, academic director of Pole Scientific Center of HEU, and associate professor Gao Tianming, School of Economics and Management, the academic director of the Center for Russian and Ukrainian Studies, was appointed as a committee members in the Alliance.

The arctic strategy is of great significance. In January, the State Council Information Office published the White Paper “China's Arctic Policy”, which is the first one in the arctic policy of Chinese government. According to it, in order to promote the development of polar science and equipment technology, participating in international academic exchanges and cooperation in related fields and expanding the international popularity and influence, HEU should participate in this international organization actively.

The Arctic University Alliance is founded under the support and guidance of the Arctic Council, which is the assistant network constructed by the universities around arctic countries and research institutes. The Alliance was founded in June, 2001, the members including the full member of the arctic G8 and associate members of the non-arctic states or regions. At present, there are 203 member units.