 One of the main objectives of the NRF is to promote Young Researchers (YRs) by inviting them to present their particular research projects and findings in NRF Open Assemblies. The aim is to engage Young Researchers in dialogue with senior scientists and other professionals and experts as well as representatives of various stakeholder groups and the public. This is accomplished by funding the participation of 20-25 young researchers (defined as recent PhD recipients or PhD candidates) studying northern issues or doing arctic research. The NRF Open Assemblies allows the young researchers an opportunity to interact with senior research experts, officials and professionals. In the NRF context, discussions and dialogues refer to both academic discourse and policy-relevant dialogue across sectorial borders and include the interplay between politics and science. Furthermore, the NRF Open Assemblies are an important way to train Young Researchers to implement the social relevance of science and promote the interplay between politics and science.
A primary task for each young researcher at the NRF Open Assemblies is to present a scientific paper in a Plenary Session or a Roundtable Discussion, while also acting as a "rapporteur" for one of the Assembly Roundtable Discussions or Breakout Sessions. They present a brief oral report reflecting their subjective impressions on the particular session in the Final Session of the Assembly. These reports are published in the proceedings of the NRF Open Assembly, along with their presentations. Members of the NRF Steering Committee and Secretariat hold a preparatory meeting with the YRs soon after they arrive to attend the NRF Assembly to ensure that they are well prepared to actively participate in the Assembly and fully understand their roles and responsibilities. This activity is undertaken in cooperation with the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) and the University of the Arctic. This is a new kind of career training for YR who is potentially becoming professional researchers, or experts in their field(s).
All in all, this participatory training of YRs, which emphasizes an implementation of the social relevance of science and the interplay between science and policy, is valuable in today's climate of global uncertainty; an age which requires a new kind of leadership.
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