Professor Charles H. Norchi is a world-renowned legal scholar, thought leader, and visionary in international law, Arctic governance, and maritime policy. As the Benjamin Thompson Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Oceans & Coastal Law at the University of Maine, he has dedicated his career to shaping the legal frameworks that govern the world’s oceans and polar regions. A faculty member of the Climate Change Institute, his expertise in the intersection of law, climate policy, and geopolitical strategy makes him an indispensable voice in global legal discourse.

Professor Norchi’s academic portfolio spans International Law, Oceans Law and Policy, Arctic Law, Maritime Law, International Human Rights, Science, and Policy, with a research focus on public international law, climate change, and the evolving legal architecture of the Arctic and the law of the sea. His work has profoundly influenced legal and policy debates on the governance of marine and polar regions.

A distinguished global academic and diplomat, Professor Norchi has held numerous prestigious appointments. He served as Chair of the Admiralty and Maritime Law Section of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS) and was honored as a Fulbright-Ministry of Foreign Affairs Arctic Scholar in Iceland. His expertise has been sought after globally, leading to visiting professorships at City University of Hong Kong School of Law and Peking University School of Law, in addition to serving as a Human Rights Fellow at Harvard Law School and a Research Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. At Yale Law School, he was named a Myres S. McDougal Fellow, further cementing his role as a leading authority in international legal theory and policy sciences.

Beyond academia, Professor Norchi is a driving force in shaping Arctic governance and maritime policy. As Co-Chair of the Arctic Futures Institute and a member of the American Polar Society, he plays a pivotal role in addressing the most pressing legal and environmental challenges of the Arctic. He serves on the boards of the World Affairs Council of Maine, the Harvard Club of Maine, the Journal of the North Atlantic and Arctic, and the International Association of Maritime Port Executives (IAMPE), actively influencing policy at the highest levels. His contributions extend to thought leadership, serving as a Contributing Editor for Global Geneva and advancing discourse on global affairs.

Recognized internationally for his contributions to law, science, and exploration, Professor Norchi is a Fellow of the Explorers Club, the Royal Geographic Society, and the World Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is also the President of the Society of Policy Scientists, shaping the future of interdisciplinary policy research and governance strategies.

A Harvard-educated legal scholar, Professor Norchi holds an A.B. from Harvard College, a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University Law School, and an LL.M. and J.S.D. from Yale Law School. His career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to legal excellence, global policy innovation, and the pursuit of sustainable and just governance for the world’s oceans and polar frontiers.

As a key member of The North World Approach, Professor Norchi brings an unparalleled depth of experience in international maritime law, Arctic governance, and policy innovation. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping a governance framework that ensures sustainability, cooperation, and resilience in the Arctic region.