At present, no consensus document (“white paper” or “strategy”) exists at the international level to identify forwardlooking priorities in permafrost research. CliC has partnered with the International Permafrost Association (IPA) to seize the opportunity offered by the upcoming International Conference on Arctic Research Planning III (ICARP III) and the SCAR Horizon Scan to frame a consultative process that will result in the formulation of such permafrost priorities. Entitled “Permafrost Research Priorities: A Roadmap for the Future”, it focuses on all permafrost regions, from the Arctic to the Antarctic and mountain permafrost around the globe in order to accurately represent the level of overlap in scientific challenges in all three domains. The product stemming from the effort will consist of a high level, but short publication (ca. 2-3 pages) in a high-profile journal listing and putting into context permafrost research priorities. The document aims to become the benchmark against which permafrost research should be gauged starting in 2015. Here we present the first results stemming from this effort and focus on questions relevant to Arctic permafrost. We also draw lessons relevant to the overal ICARPIII process in terms of consultation, community engagement and evaluation