A brief History of IARC

The building that now houses the International Arctic Research Center (IARC) was originally conceived as an extension to the Elvey Building, the home of the Geophysical Institute (GI), which was expanding rapidly in the 1990s and desperately needed space for its new projects and faculty, students, and staff. However, financing the extension of the Elvey building was virtually impossible, since neither the University nor the State had funds for this. Thus, Syun Akasofu, who was then the director of the GI, sought funds from both the United States and Japan. In his discussions in Japan, it became clear that they were interested in [participating in the development of an international research center, if a similar interest were to be expressed by the United States. Dr. Akasofu thus consulted with Senator Stevens, who wrote to Ambassador Kuriyama in February 1994, suggesting that the United States and Japan jointly establish an arctic research center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Subsequently, then Vice President Gore also wrote to Ambassador Kuriyama who responded enthusiastically in March 1995, and asked for a concrete proposal. After preliminary discussions between the U.S. State Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and with the approval of the University of Alaska Board of Regents, a proposal was prepared by Dr. Akasofu in collaboration with the U.S. Arctic Research Commission and submitted to the Japanese government via the U.S. State Department in the fall of 1995.

The government of Japan and the government of the United States, together with the State of Alaska, jointly agreed to establish IARC on the UAF campus as a project of the Common Agenda, which was signed by President Clinton and Prime Minister Hashimoto in March 1997. The basic principle of the Common Agenda is “… to demonstrate our ability to solve, jointly, problems that are beyond what any one nation can address.” (Joint Communiqué of May 2, 1997). Climate change had become an important subject, and one that urgently needed to be studied on an international basis.

The opening ceremony for the IARC building was held on August 27, 1999. Subsequently, the National Science Board authorized then NSF director Rita Colwell to negotiate a Cooperative Agreement with UAF on the operation of IARC.

The IARC building was officially named the Syun-Ichi Akasofu Building on April 27, 2007.

Syun-Ichi Akasofu and Helga Wilm unveil an engraved plaque that will hang in the Akasofu Building and tells the story of Professor Syun-Ichi Akasofu.

Milestones in the establishment and development of the International Arctic Research Center

June 1987 A report to the National Science Board by an NSF committee, headed by Rita Colwell, recommends the establishment of “research support centers”.

1987-1990 Dr. Akasofu pursues funding sources in Japan and the US for the construction of an extension to Elvey building.

1992 Some funds are received from Governor Cowper, private individuals, and municipalities for the design cost. The National Weather Service Fairbanks Office expresses interest in moving into the new building as a paying tenant. A design competition for the new building is advertised.

October 1992 Kumin Associates of Anchorage is chosen as the head of the architectural and interior design team.

July 1993 President Clinton and Prime Minister Miyazawa launch the Common Agenda for Cooperation in Global Perspective to address critical global issues in areas as diverse as health and population, environment, technology and economic development, etc.

February 1994 After discussions with Syun Akasofu, Senator Ted Stevens writes to Ambassador Kuriyama suggesting the joint establishment of such an international arctic research center by the US and Japan governments to address global climate change.

March 1995 Vice President Gore reiterates the interest of the US in such a joint research center and Ambassador Kuriyama enthusiastically responds and asks for a concrete proposal.

July 1995 Ground is broken at the IARC site for first phase – site development and parking lot.

October 1995 The US proposal, prepared jointly by the Arctic Research Commission and the University of Alaska, is sent to the Japanese government in response to Ambassador Kuriyama’s request.

January 1996 An agreement is signed between UAF and Japan on the building space use in accordance with the funding source percentages (60% from Japan and 40% from UAF).

April 1996 New proposals are added to the US/Japan Common Agenda, stating that “Japan and the United States will cooperate in global climate change research and prediction. This will include cooperation at research centers in Alaska and Hawaii”.

July 1996 The building site is excavated, the foundation is poured and constructioin of the building begins.

April 1998 The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) meets in Fairbanks.

August 1998 Syun-Ichi Akasofu is appointed IARC Founding Director on an interim basis by Chancellor Wadlow.

September 1998 The Frontier Research System for Global Change Program is established at IARC by the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC) and the National Aerospace Development Agency (NASDA) and Roger Colony is appointed as project leader. A cooperative agreement is signed with UAF and the first five faculty members are hired.

September 1998 The opening reception of the annual AAAS meeting is held in the IARC Lobby; it is the first science-related event that takes place in the lobby of the new (but unfinished) building.

November 1998 The National Weather Services officially moves it offices and activities to the IARC building.

March 1999 The Keith B. Mather Library moves into the IARC building.

July 1999 Dr. Akasofu resigns from the directorship of the Geophysical Institute and takes up residence in the IARC building as founding director.

August 1999 The official dedication of the IARC building and a ribbon-cutting ceremony take place with many dignitaries from the US and Japan in attendance.

May 2000 NSF and UAF sign a cooperative agreement for the operation of IARC

May 2000 The Arctic Climate Assessment Impact directorate office is established at IARC

August 2000 Following an international search, Dr. Akasofu is appointed as permanent IARC director by President Hamilton.

November 2000 The first meeting of the NSF Oversight Committee is held at IARC.

April 2001 The official stamp dedication ceremony for the Mt. McKinley stamp takes place at IARC with Senator Ted Stevens and Postmaster General Henderson in attendance.

July 2001 Dr. John Walsh joins IARC as Chief Scientist and President's Professor of Climate Change.

April 2002 The official stamp dedication ceremony of the Alaska Tundra stamp series takes place at IARC with Senator Stevens and the US Postmaster General in attendance.

April 2004 The Frontier Research System for Global Change group is integrated into the IARC science activities under the direction of the IARC director, and UAF signs a cooperative agreement to this effect.

January 2006 Larry Hinzman joins IARC as deputy director

January 2007 Dr. Akasofu retires as director but continues as Founding Director on a part-time basis.

February 2007 Dr. Hinzman officially becomes director of IARC.

September 2008 IARC celebrates 10 years of arctic research and unveils a new mission statement and logo