25 February 2026 news
The Arctic Frontiers Emerging Leaders programme celebrates talented individuals across the circumpolar North who are shaping the region’s future through innovation, sustainability and collaboration. Designed to support the next generation of Arctic change-makers, the programme highlights professionals who combine scientific excellence, strategic insight and community engagement to address pressing environmental and societal challenges in the North.
Amanda Ziegler (left) and Linda Simensen (right) from Akvaplan-niva coordinated the Emerging Leaders program in 2026. Here visiting Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) with Ann-Cecilie. (Photo: Trude Borch/Akvaplan-niva).
Our candidate for Emerging Leaders 2026 was Ann-Cecilie Henriksen, who works from our office in Alta, Finnmark. Ann-Cecilie is known to be committed to her work, with a calm trustworthy appearance and an ability to communicate complex ecosystem dynamics with clarity to customers.
In her role, Ann-Cecilie works across a wide range of environmental disciplines, including data collection, analysis and reporting for both marine and freshwater ecosystems. Her diverse client portfolio spans governmental authorities and private sector actors. As a project leader, she manages environmental monitoring programmes for aquaculture sites, provides strategic advice on best practices, and contributes to national monitoring efforts that assess pollution impacts on freshwater ecosystems. Her work combines hands-on fieldwork with high-quality scientific reporting.
Visiting KSAT with the Emerging Leaders group (Photo: Trude Borch/Akvaplan-niva).
Through active engagement with governmental agencies and industry partners, Ann-Cecilie has developed a holistic understanding of how human activities influence Arctic ecosystems. Her interdisciplinary expertise significantly strengthens environmental competence within the region, enhancing collaboration between science, authorities and businesses.
Ann-Cecilie at an Arctic Frontiers social event (Photo: David Jensen @jensenmedia)
Born and raised in Alta, Finnmark, she returned home after earning her M.Sc. in Aquatic Ecology from the University of South-Eastern Norway. Deeply rooted in the region and raising her family there, Ann-Cecilie is a shining example of a new generation of Arctic professionals, blending local insight with scientific expertise.
