Veröld - Hús Vigdísar
- Free admission
Closing seminar celebrating
Queen Margrethe and Vigdís Finnbogadóttir´s Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Ocean, Climate, and Society (ROCS)
Monday, 16 November 2026
Veröld – Hús Vigdísar: Auðarsalur
- 14:00 Welcome Guðbjörg Linda Rafnsdóttir, professor of sociology and represent UI on the ROCS board (moderator for the afternoon)
Opening talks:
- Sigríður Valgeirsdóttir, Director General, at the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education.
- Erik Vilstrup Lorenzen, Ambassador of Denmark.
Brief introduction to ROCS: Katherine Richardson, Head of the Research Centre on Ocean, Climate and Society (ROCS). - 14:30 What have we learned about the historical interactions of life and climate in the ocean?
Short presentations highlighting the new knowledge gained through ROCS:
- Mateu Menendez Serra, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. E-DNA reveals the history of life in the ocean
- Angel Ruiz-Angulo, Associate Professor at the University of Iceland. The changing ocean around Iceland
- Sara Harðardóttir, Research Scientist. Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Reykjavik. Tracking toxic algae with e-DNA
- Katherine Richardson, Professor of Biological Oceanography at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. How Argo-floats can support both fisheries and climate research. - 15:30 BREAK
- 15:45 What have we learned about historical interactions between nature, climate, and people in Iceland? Short presentations highlighting the new knowledge gained through ROCS:
- Wesley Randall Farnsworth, Research Assistant Professor, University of Iceland. There is a Saga in Iceland´s Sediments.
- Caroline Planche, PhD student in Paleoecology at the University of Iceland. Early Holocene environmental responses to abrupt climate variability in the Icelandic Highlands.
- Árni Einarsson, Director at Myvatn Research Station, Guest professor University of Iceland. Newly discovered grain fields from the Viking Age in Iceland.
- Kurt H. Kjær, Professor at the Globe Institute, Section for Geogenetics, University of Copenhagen. What does the sediment Saga tell us about the Reykjavík’s Human and Ecological History? - 16:45 ROCS use of the arts as outreach by:
- Angela Marie Snæfellsjökuls Rawlings, Canadian-Icelandic interdisciplinary artist-researcher.
- Audur Aðalsteinsdóttir, Research Associate Professor at the University of Iceland followed by opening of art exhibition in the break. - 17:05 Questions and closing
- 17:15-18:15. opening of Art exhibition in Vidísarstofa
- Presentation of exhibition: María Theodora Ólafsdóttir, Director of Loftskeytastöðin (The Relay Station).
- Art at the exhibition: Rikke Luther, Danish Artist and Researcher affiliated with ROCS
Refreshments.
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The content of events organised within the University of Iceland is the responsibility of the organisers, speakers, and other participants. The views, opinions, and statements expressed at such events, whether orally or in writing, are those of the individuals concerned and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the University of Iceland.
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Buses 14, 1, 6, 3 and 12 stop at the University of Iceland in Vatnsmýri. Buses 11 and 15 also stop nearby. Let's travel in an ecological way!