Hajo Eicken, who has served as director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center (IARC), has been appointed scientific director at Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. Eicken will start his new role in Bremerhaven, Germany, in mid-March.
Scott Rupp, a longtime researcher and leader at IARC, will take over as interim director when Eicken departs. UAF Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga commented on the transition: “While we will miss Hajo’s presence, leadership and expertise at UAF, his new role at one of Europe’s most prestigious research institutes will strengthen the existing relationship between UAF and AWI and benefit the entire polar science and research community.”
Sfraga also expressed confidence in Rupp’s ability to lead during this period. “I have complete confidence in his ability to provide continuity of leadership and purpose,” he said. “He is the right leader at the right time.”
The Alfred Wegener Institute employs 1,400 people and manages an annual budget close to $200 million. The institute operates permanent research stations in both polar regions and maintains a fleet dedicated to Arctic and Antarctic research.
Eicken described Germany as a leading non-Arctic nation in polar research. “While I am happy with my work at UAF, when AWI reached out about the position, it presented an opportunity to consider how I could be most helpful in terms of broader polar research,” he said.
Eicken joined UAF in 1998 as a sea ice researcher before becoming IARC’s third director in 2015. Reflecting on his time at UAF, he stated: “I love this university. I have been to a lot of research institutions in the U.S. and other countries and there is no place like what we have right here.”
He also spoke highly of Rupp: “He is a very calm, measured and team-oriented leader. He has a strong understanding of the federal landscape and is uniquely primed to help move IARC forward in the interim.”
Rupp holds a doctorate from UAF earned in 1998, joined its faculty three years later, co-founded the Scenarios Network for Alaska + Arctic Planning, directed climate adaptation efforts for 15 years within the Department of Interior’s Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center, and was deputy director at IARC from 2015 through 2024.
“IARC has been my home for the past 13 years and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this leadership role,” Rupp said. “We are well positioned to meet the opportunities and challenges of a changing Arctic, and I look forward to helping IARC continue its position on the cutting edge of science for the benefit of Alaska, the United States and the world.”
UAF Vice Chancellor for Research Laura Conner noted that a search for a permanent director would begin soon. She added: “IARC is known internationally for actionable, place-based Arctic science, thanks to excellent leadership and the hard work of the faculty, staff and students in the institute. We look forward to placing a permanent leader who will continue to advance this work.”
