The National Science Foundation supports research across the Arctic, from understand polar ecosystems, to societal change, to the economics of shipping. What will the Arctic look like in 50 years? Our understanding of the Arctic, and what could be, is critically important at this pivotal time, as climate change accelerates change across our globe. Rapid loss of Arctic sea ice will bring new access to the Arctic’s natural resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, and new fisheries, as well as severely threatening indigenous communities and ecosystems.