The Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, which serves as the Arctic island's primary center for environmental and natural-resource research, has officially moved to halt new collaborations with US-based partners. The institute, which specializes in monitoring the island's biological resources and Arctic ecosystems, implemented the policy to ensure the security of its scientific data and personnel.
Josephine Nymand, director of the institute, confirmed the change in strategy to the news agency AFP, stating that the organization will now limit its engagement to US partners with whom it already maintains an existing or past working relationship. In a separate interview with Greenland's public broadcaster, KNR, Nymand explained that the decision was driven by concerns over the Trump administration's track record, specifically citing the removal of extensive scientific data from government websites and the refusal to permit certain foreign scientists entry into the United States.
Nymand expressed concern regarding the safety of her staff, noting that she would be unable to assist them if they were detained upon arrival in the United States. She concluded that, under the current circumstances, avoiding travel to the country is the safest course of action for the institute's team.
The move comes during a period of heightened diplomatic tension regarding Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. US President Donald Trump recently revived a claim that the territory should be controlled by the United States, effectively reversing months of previous diplomatic efforts intended to move past the demand. This ongoing political friction has directly influenced the institute's decision to prioritize the protection of its research integrity and the mobility of its scientists.
