New research on climate change will center on the firsthand experiences of Indigenous communities in the Arctic.
The University of Leeds, in collaboration with Inuit researchers, embarks on a pioneering project to bridge Indigenous knowledge with climate science. Led by Professor James Ford, Chair in Climate Adaptation at the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, the project has secured a prestigious European Research Council grant of £2.1 million. Professor Ford will lead a multidisciplinary team comprising University of Leeds and Inuit researchers, along with PhD students and Post-Doctoral Research Assistants.
“This investment nurtures the next generation of brilliant minds. I look forward to seeing the resulting breakthroughs,” remarked Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth at ERC.
Named ETHNO-CLIM, the project will be implemented in partnership with Inuit communities in Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, providing insights into how climate change impacts their mobility. Professor Ford stated, “This project begins with the experiences and knowledge of community members, guiding our modeling of climate impacts. Our goal is to establish an ethnoclimatology approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative methods.”
ETHNO-CLIM builds upon over two decades of Professor Ford’s research with Indigenous communities worldwide. The project is scheduled to commence in September 2024 and will span five years.
The ERC funding, totaling nearly €652 million, supports leading senior researchers in pursuing ambitious, curiosity-driven projects. Iliana Ivanova expressed excitement about the grants, emphasizing their potential to create jobs and foster scientific breakthroughs across Europe. Prof. Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council, lauded the grant recipients, encouraging more mid-career scientists to apply for such grants in the future.
