Thor Severin Larsen appointed Honorary Member of the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research
Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP
Thor S. Larsen has been appointed an Honorary Member of the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research (NVP). The appointment was formally announced during the Academy’s Annual Meeting in Tromsø on 15 April 2026, following a unanimous decision by the Board.
The honorary membership recognises Larsen’s lifelong contributions to Arctic research, environmental management, science communication, and the development of the Academy itself. He has had a long and distinguished career in the Arctic as a polar bear researcher, expedition leader, research director, communicator, and Secretary General of the Academy from 2012 to 2025.
The Board’s decision was based on a broad range of merits highlighted in the nomination by the current Academy’s President, Grete K. Hovelsrud and Vice President Bjørn P. Kaltenborn. Larsen is recognised as a pioneering and internationally respected polar bear researcher, whose work since the 1960s helped establish standards for polar bear research across Europe, North America, and the Soviet Union/Russia.
Throughout his career, Larsen participated in and led more than 40 Arctic research expeditions, making use of a wide range of field logistics, including skis, snowmobiles, vessels, aircraft, and helicopters. He also developed and maintained long-term ecological monitoring programmes and trained numerous students and early-career researchers within Arctic field science.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Larsen held several leadership roles at the Norwegian Polar Institute, including as Research Director. He also contributed significantly to international conservation efforts through his involvement in the IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group and played a central role in the implementation of the 1973 international agreement on the conservation of polar bears.
Larsen has furthermore been an active science communicator and author, with more than 100 scientific publications, eight books, and contributions to films and television programmes related to Arctic research and environmental issues.
The nomination further emphasised Larsen’s importance to the development of the Academy itself. As Secretary General for 13 years , he played a key role in building the Academy’s activities, international network, and profile through his extensive experience and longstanding engagement in polar affairs.
The Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research, popularly known as the Polar Academy, is the world’s only academy focused primarily on research and education in and about both the Arctic and Antarctic. The Academy is interdisciplinary and international, engaging in all aspects of polar research and related education.
The Polar Academy now has three honorary members: former President of the Norwegian Parliament Kirsti Kolle Grøndahl, sociologist and former Minister Gudmund Hernes, and now Thor S. Larsen.