Strategic Priorities 2023-2028

Priority I

  1. Toolik Field Station evaluates our existing research infrastructure and services, making improvements to fill current gaps in support needs, like common-use science equipment and professional development for staff.

  2. New infrastructure and services are built to strengthen our research community and support research fields and interests that are under-represented at TFS, including winter and shoulder season field campaigns and molecular lab capabilities.

  3. In alignment with emerging national and international Arctic research priorities, we develop support in areas where Arctic science is advancing. This consists of joining cooperative planning efforts, elevating remote access and international collaboration, and creating synergistic open data products.

Priority II

  1. Toolik Field Station expands educational support at the station with in-person educational field experiences for students & non-scientists, clear guidelines for field courses, early career Toolik student & researcher mentorships & a state-of-the-art research & education center with a focus on reaching the missing millions. 

  2. New outreach programs are developed that connect with external communities, including K-12 classrooms and the public-at-large, through public events, environmental interpretation products, social and mass media, and virtual field experiences. We seek to open collaborative, ethical relationships with neighboring ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Native communities.

Priority III

  1. We cultivate belonging, accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the station by promoting entryways for a more diverse community that represents national demographics across all career stages. We offer resources, training, events and policies that holistically support our current and future community, informed both by open discussions and a network of field science action groups.

  2. Resources and training on field and lab safety are expanded to align with best practices, including improving access to mental health support for both researchers and staff.

  3. To ensure we remain accountable in these efforts, we track station demographics, cultural climate, and safety incident response annually and complete an equity audit of station policies and practices.

Priority IV

  1. Toolik Field Station sustains our existing private fundraising efforts that support the early career TUNDRA award, artist-in-residency program, and general station improvements, with targeted expansions to better meet the needs of staff and participants.

  2. New fundraising and friend-raising campaigns are established to support initiatives in education and a green energy transition, kicking off with a celebration of our 50th year in 2025.

 

We welcome your feedback on our strategic priorities. If you have questions, comments, concerns, or ideas for how to implement these goals, please contact the Toolik management team at uaf-iab-toolik@alaska.edu.