Conservative assumptions often form the design basis for Arctic resource developments. An intensive science and research program can change the culture and approach for making better decisions. For example, the SIIBED scope of work challenges assumptions and provides a framework for a more informed approach to subsea facility design and operations in ice environments. The interaction of ice, subsea infrastructure and geotechnical responses are complex. The current assumption of ice contacting infrastructure is viewed as a compromise of integrity. The SIIBED program’s use of centrifuge and large-scale physical testing will enable the development of engineering models for an enhanced understanding of ice, seabed and subsea asset response. Research from past programs will be taken one step further to assess the tangible risks to infrastructure. The SIIBED program includes technical papers on large scale physical testing, geotechnical engineering inputs, ice keel simulations, including numerical modeling of results. The practical and tangible outputs, directly correlating to loads determination and basis of design, will be applicable to a broad audience of designers, facility operators, regulators, simulation engineers and academic researchers. Let’s challenge the future of Arctic Projects with the opportunity to define what is possible.