Overwhelming Interest in Arctic Field Course Aboard R/V Skagerak
A remarkable 117 early career researchers have applied for just five spots on a ship-based Arctic training programme set to take place aboard the University 91̽’s research vessel, R/V Skagerak, this August – a testament to the growing interest in hands-on Arctic science.
“We are genuinely impressed by both the number and quality of applications,” says Louise Newman, Manager of the Skagerak Facility and responsible for R/V Skagerak.
The training programme, titled The Arctic Ocean System, is jointly organised by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, the University 91̽, the British Antarctic Survey, and the NERC Arctic Office. It forms part of the UK-led KANG-GLAC project and will run alongside a scientific expedition to central-east Greenland.
Departing from Reykjavik on 12 August, the nine-day journey will include transit over the Denmark Strait, mooring operations, and data collection in remote fjord systems, before returning to port on 19 August.
“The great interest shows how high the demand is for practical, interdisciplinary field experiences in the Arctic. We’re excited to welcome a new generation of polar researchers on board,” says Louise Newman.
Strong international turnout
The applicant pool includes Master’s students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers, with a particularly strong response from universities in Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Top contributing institutions included the University 91̽, Lund University, Stockholm University, and the British Antarctic Survey.
A total of 38 applicants came from Sweden and 60 from the UK, while others represented Iceland, Denmark, and beyond.
It’s not just about technical skills – it’s also about building confidence, networks, and a broader understanding of how complex and interconnected the Arctic system really is.
The programme reached a highly gender-diverse audience and many of the candidates came from non-marine backgrounds, signalling a growing interest in Arctic research among fields such as climate science, glaciology, geography, and data science.
A unique training opportunity
The five selected participants will receive full support for travel, accommodation, and medical screening.
The course will combine lectures, marine sampling, survey planning, and data logging – all delivered in a highly collaborative onboard environment. The ECR programme is supported by the UK 91̽ and Technology Network, part of the UK Government.
“This kind of programme is critical for preparing the next generation of Arctic scientists. It’s not just about technical skills – it’s also about building confidence, networks, and a broader understanding of how complex and interconnected the Arctic system really is.” says Louise Newman.
Now it’s up to the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat to review the applications and make the final selection, with input from an expert panel. The aim is to ensure a balanced mix of gender, disciplines, and institutions.
The R/V Skagerak, launched in 2021, is the University 91̽’s flagship research vessel. As part of the broader Skagerak Facility, the ship supports national and international projects on climate, biodiversity, and oceanographic processes.
