The Fifth International Symposium on Arctic Research (ISAR-5)

Rapid changes occurring in the Arctic have created significant challenges for residents of the Arctic and the rest of the globe. The Fifth International Symposium on Arctic Research (ISAR-5), held in Tokyo during 15–18 January 2018, addressed these challenges. The symposium was widely interdisciplinary with a special emphasis on research from the social sciences and humanities. It was recognized that engagement with the social sciences and humanities is necessary if scientific knowledge gained from Arctic research is to be made actionable through policymakers and other decision-makers. The collection of papers that make up this special issue spans the many disciplines and their linkages required to advance information and knowledge of the Arctic into action.