Grant recipient: PhD student Paninnguaq Boassen, Ilisimatusarfik – University of Greenland, Institute for Culture, Language & History
PhD and Postdoc Stipends 2024
Research in Greenland is at a crossroads, where questions of direction, purpose and regulation are crucial for future research development.
“If we are to benefit from research, it is necessary to have clear legislation and a clear framework. Today, research in our country takes place without regulation and requirements. The consequence of this is that much of the research does not benefit us,” said Naalakkersuisoq Vivian Motzfeldt, who is responsible for the research administration, in an interview with KNR in July 2024.
Greenland’s unique context, characterized by strong cultural traditions and Inuit knowledge, raises complex considerations about how research can and should develop. Who controls the direction of research? Which methods and forms of collaboration should dominate? And how can both Western academic research and Inuit knowledge play a role?
“Greenlandic research is not just academic, but also a reflection of our identity and values. It should not only contribute to global knowledge, but first and foremost be relevant to ourselves as a people. It is about how we understand and respect our own knowledge while also being part of a larger global research community. This is something I would like to focus on with my PhD project,” says Paninnguaq Boassen, who has received a PhD scholarship from the Greenland Research Council’s PhD and Postdoctoral Scholarship Program 2024.
What is research for Kalaallit?
Today, research in Greenland ranges from scientific studies of climate change to social research that examines the social and cultural dynamics of Greenland society. Kalaallit’s research is special, according to Paninnguaq Boassen, because of the close relationship the people have with the land and its opportunities and challenges:
“For us, research is about more than results. It is about understanding how knowledge is relational and rooted in our community. We have a responsibility to bring both local, traditional, and academic knowledge into play in a way that respects everyone. In the Inuit tradition, knowledge is relational, contextual and rooted in the community. Western academic approaches, on the other hand, are characterized by a positivist approach and written documentation. Balancing these two forms of knowledge systems is central to creating a holistic and sustainable research culture in our country.”
Research collaboration in Greenland
One of the biggest challenges – and opportunities – in research is collaboration between different knowledge systems.
“Traditional and local knowledge should not be adapted to Western research. The two knowledge systems should complement each other. Inuit knowledge is based on generations of experience with nature, climate and survival. It is important to build bridges between them without assimilating or weakening one,” says Paninnguaq Boassen.
“It’s about being part of what you’re researching. Living and experiencing the societies you’re researching is often necessary to understand this lived knowledge.”
Well-being and resilience in research
According to Paninnguaq Boassen, research should not only be about results; it should also ensure well-being and resilience among those who participate:
“For Inuit, resilience is often linked to the ability to use and pass on traditional knowledge. Rebuilding respect and pride for this knowledge is an important part of creating sustainable research practices.”
“It is crucial that research processes respect and strengthen the values and relationships that are present in our communities. By centering local voices and creating an equal dialogue between different forms of knowledge, research can contribute to engagement and ownership for participants in the research.”
The future of research in Greenland
According to Paninnguaq Boassen, the research environment and administration in Greenland must reflect on what research means for the population and how it can contribute to a better future. This requires a vision that balances social and cultural values with a rapidly developing society:
“We need to set clear goals for what we want and what we want to achieve. If we know which values we want to protect and strengthen, we can use research as a path to building a future that is both sustainable and in line with our identity. These are the visions and voices I would like to center in my research. I hope that it can help formulate a unique knowledge framework with visions and objectives presented by Kalaallit,” says Paninnguaq Boassen.
Contact:
Secretary Maliina Jensen, Greenland Research Council, e-mail: maje@nis.gl
Published 16 January 2025
