Professional Affiliation

Chief Scientist and Executive Director (Programs), Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR)

Expert Bio

David Hik is the Chief Scientist and Executive Director (Programs) at Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR), based at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), Nunavut.  He leads the implementation and delivery of POLAR’s Science & Technology and Knowledge Mobilization activities, and their co-development with Indigenous partners and rights-holder across northern Canada.  In this capacity, he promotes government-wide cooperation and coordination of Arctic and Antarctic research in support of Government of Canada priorities. 

He is also a Professor of Ecology at Simon Fraser University and adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and the Agricultural University of Iceland.  Over the past four decades his research has focused on ecosystem dynamics of cold-region environments, impacts of climate change on species interactions, and the determinants of social-ecological resilience. He previously served as Executive Director of the Canadian International Polar Year Secretariat, President of the International Arctic Science Committee, and as advisor to several research organizations and programs.  He is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and recipient of the Polar Medal (Canada).