The Stefansson Arctic Institute (SAI) was established in 1998 and  operates under the auspices of the Icelandic Ministry for the Environment. It is located in Akureyri in Northern Iceland and bears the name of explorer and anthropologist Vilhjálmur Stefánsson (1879-1962). The staff at the Stefansson Arctic Institute includes scientists with broad interdisciplinary research background and experience. SAI  has enjoyed and further welcomes visits by scholars, to work on and present their  research. 

The role of SAI is to: be a forum for co-operation with regards to multi-disciplinary research; promote sustainable development in northern areas; strengthen Icelandic participation in international endeavours in this field; facilitate and co-ordinate Arctic research in Iceland; gather and disseminate information regarding northern issues; advise the Government and co-operate with others internationally; provide facilities for scholars who pursue research relevant to the SAI's agenda.

Akureyri is Iceland's Capital of the North and a growing centre of arctic activities and events. Two of the Arctic Council's secretariats are located in the same building (Borgir) as the Institute: CAFF (Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna) and PAME (Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment) - and this friendly town is gaining a reputation for hosting workshops, conferences and lectures on arctic issues.