Science and research are critical to inform national policy and responses to rapid Arctic change. Conducting this science requires a world-class Arctic research facility with year-round access.
What We Do
Sandia and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) have teamed up to advance the concept of a permanent, comprehensive multi-agency U.S. High Arctic Research Center (USHARC) in the Prudhoe Bay area. Sandia and UAF are actively engaging federal agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to support its development.
US High Arctic Research Center: Overview
The USHARC is envisioned as a national asset supporting a comprehensive Arctic science and security network that addresses the needs of multiple stakeholders, including government, industry, Arctic communities, and academic researchers. The facility would fill critical mission gaps while addressing economic development, environmental protection, and national security needs. It would provide direct access to the Alaska High Arctic and facilitate work on all areas of research, technology development, natural resource use, energy systems and infrastructure, use of autonomous systems, domain awareness and remote sensing, and improved understanding of Arctic processes to improve models and forecasts.
Inter-stakeholder collaborations and establishment of an Arctic station network (USHARC, Barrow/Utqiagvik, and Toolik Lake) will advance U.S. knowledge and monitoring of the Arctic to improve environmental stewardship, security, and sustained economic opportunity.
Learn more about the U.S. High Arctic Research Center
View existing facilities and research related to energy and homeland security.