Pairing scientific and traditional knowledge approaches is crucial to understanding the fate of environmental systems under ongoing climate change; however creating a bridge between non-local, non-indigenous research scientists and traditional knowledge holders in northern communities brings its own challenges. In an IASC cross-cutting initiative, Fellows of the Terrestrial, Cryosphere and Marine Working Groups organized a workshop on “Community-based Research: Do`s and Don`ts of Arctic Research” bringing together young researchers with resident Arctic representatives and experts to discuss best practices in the exchange of traditional and scientific knowledge and in conducting research in northern communities. The format and organization of the workshop allowed an interactive and fruitful discussion, generating a diverse list of Arctic Research considerations and sustainable practices. An extensive list of positive (Do`s) and few negative recommendations (Don`ts) was generated together with the young researchers and Arctic representatives, including considerations of (1) the research design and early planning, (2) the contribution of science to northern communities, (3) the relationship of researchers and indigenous people, (4) the communication and overall impression of visiting scientists and (5) ways to get involved with local people. This study is a good example of bottom-up strategy development to enhance knowledge transfer between scientists and indigenous communities.