Nordland Research Institute has a broad project portfolio focusing on societal transformation to low-emission society.

More than 20 researchers work across a wide range of disciplines (political science, sociology, geography, anthropology, economics, technology, ecology) to address key challenges connected to area management, adaptation to climate change, scientific controversies, ontological security, circular economy and green innovation. Empirical investigations take often place in northern communities, but with close links to global environmental problems and international research networks. The group has conducted research on several continents, particularly in Russia, Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Svalbard and northern Scandinavia.