Fran Ulmer, former UAA chancellor, named Special Advisor to State Department on Arctic Science and Policy

Secretary of State John Kerry announced today the appointment of Fran Ulmer, Chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission (USARC), to serve as Special Advisor on Arctic Science and Policy.

Ulmer will assume an expanded advisory role with the State Department as the U.S. prepares to chair the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum for Arctic governments and peoples. She will also maintain her position as the presidentially appointed Chair of the USARC and continue to inform and advise the Obama Administration and Congress on Arctic research.

"I am honored to be able to provide advice and assistance to Secretary Kerry and Admiral Papp as the U.S. begins its chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2015," said Ulmer. "Alaskans are keenly interested and willing to assist the administration in providing leadership to this important effort."

Kerry also appointed retired Coast Guard Admiral Robert Papp, as U.S. Special Representative for the Arctic, to help oversee U.S. policy in the North as it continues to become a global focal point for economic and resource development, shipping, security, research, and tourism. On Aug. 4, Ulmer and Papp will meet with other officials at the State Department to further discuss the responsibilities of their roles.

USARC's mission is to develop and recommend U.S. Arctic research policy to the president and Congress and to build cooperative links in Arctic research within the federal government, with Arctic residents, the State of Alaska, researchers and international partners. Visit the USARC at www.arctic.gov and subscribe to the daily electronic newsletter, the "Arctic Daily Update," which provides useful information about recent events, conferences, research initiatives and international news.

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