“It’s a really big project. It actually includes four universities,” said Dr. Chris Maio, an associate professor of coastal geography at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. “And the University of Alaska Fairbanks is kind of the umbrella organization that will be running it.”
“Given the complexity of the issues and impacts to communities, we really sought to align, you know, some of the world’s best experts in these fields,” Maio said. “And so that’s why we brought in other universities, other state and federal agencies, as well as private industry.” ”We’re really excited on this project because the communities have been involved from the start,” Maio said. “We have eight total communities, and they really spread an amazing kind of geographic area. And they’re all very unique. And that’s one of the things that we’re acknowledging.”
The AC³TION project aims to enhance communication, advance applied science that addresses local community priorities, and enhance workforce development and education opportunities.