Exploring the Changing Arctic in a Two-Pole Perspective: A look back at the NVP Summer School 2023

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The Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research’s International Summer School, held in the breathtaking archipelago of Svalbard from 28 May to 6 June 2023, received praise and positive feedback from participants. The summer school, known for its dedication to advancing interdisciplinary polar research and fostering international collaboration, gathered lecturers and 18 students from 14 different countries to delve into the complexities of the changing Arctic landscape.

The 2023 summer school addressed environmental, geopolitical, and socio-economic challenges posed by the rapidly evolving Arctic and Himalayan regions in a two-pole perspective. The programme was thoughtfully curated to cover a wide array of topics, from local tourism to the geopolitical implications of melting ice and climate change.

As lecturers, students, and committee members gathered in the pristine landscape of Svalbard, both in vibrant Longyearbyen and at the remote adventure hotel Isfjord Radio at Kapp Linné, they embarked on a journey of knowledge and discovery. The programme offered a diverse range of lectures, workshops, and field excursions, ensuring that participants gained both theoretical and practical experience. One standout adventure led the group on a 16-kilometer return hike from Isfjord Radio through sunlit terrain to explore a walrus colony.

The students’ feedback underscored the truly remarkable experience of spending time at Isfjord Radio, a unique setting that fostered bonds among participants, both within the student group and with the lecturers. This provided an exceptional setting to experience the Arctic’s captivating environment. Travelling by RIB boats from Longyearbyen was undoubtedly a highlight cherished by many, adding an adventurous touch to the overall experience.

The full summer school programme can be seen here.

The students underwent essential safety training, with a special focus on polar bear safety, led by UNIS. In the photo, Fred Skancke Hansen, the Director of HSE&Q, can be seen leading the training. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

After the polar bear training, students had hands-on experience with safety suits as they jumped from a pier and swam back to shore. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

One highlight of the summer school was travelling by RIB boats between Longyearbyen and Isfjord Radio. The Arctic’s daily sun added to the incredible experience. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel, located on Kapp Linné on the west coast of Svalbard. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

Two- and four-legged embarked on 16-kilometer return hike to a walrus colony south of Isfjord Radio. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

Representatives from Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen expertly guided us to the walrus colony, ensuring a safe and memorable experience. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

Within the terrain, passersby had the chance to see the skeletons of what is most likely a whale. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

Upon reaching the hike’s destination, the group could observe a walrus colony from a safe distance, ensuring no disturbance to the wildlife. The colony comprised approximately 30 walruses on the beach, basking under the Arctic sun. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

Students and lecturers are enjoying their lunch, constisting of freeze-dried meals. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

 

After an unforgettable hike and returning to Isfjord Radio in the evening, our Finnish students took the lead, guiding everyone for an exhilarating Arctic plunge followed by a relaxing sauna session. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

People are making their way back to Isfjord Radio after a beach clean-up one afternoon. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP

Students, lecturers, and coordinators gathered together, posing for a group photo with the magnificent Mount Grieg as the backdrop. Photo: Lill Karina Bøhn

The Summer School Coordinators

The Summer School 2023 was hosted by the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research (NVP) in cooperation with The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS).

Bjørn Kaltenborn is the Vice President of NVP and Senior Research Scientist at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA).

Lars-Otto Reiersen is a Marine Biologist and Professor with a long-term track record from working in the Arctic.

Thor S. Larsen is NVP’s Secretary General and Researcher at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU).

Anna Sveinsdòttir is a Senior Researcher at the Nordland Research Institute and holds a PhD in Geography.

Richard Davy is a Senior Researcher at the Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC).

Ragnhild Utne is NVP’s Office Manager and Management Consultant at UNIS.

A look back at the NVP Summer School 2022

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After a long wait, which included a pandemic, we could finally again invite students to the NVP International Summer School in Longyearbyeb on 17–26 June. 17 PhD and Post-Doc students from all corners of the world came to Svalbard to participate on lectures on the Global Arctic – Reaching out to the Third Pole: The role of climate change, geopolitics, and resource availability for global sustainability.

The school’s programme included both theoretical and practical lectures by 13 lecturers of different backgrounds, student group work, and interactive sessions in preparations of an interdisciplinary scientific article.

Students were divided into two working groups, however decided to merge to foster interdisciplinarity among them. During autumn, they will prepare an interdisciplinary article in consultation with the summer school coordinators.

In addition to the lectures, participants of the summer school took part in social gatherings. These included a BBQ at NVPs property Isdammen east of Longyearbyen, as well as an optional boat excursion to the Billefjord and the renowned ghost town of Pyramiden. The latter offered stunning views of glacier fronts and different wildlife.

See the full programme here.

The Polar Academy received inspiring feedback from the students.

“I would like to use this opportunity to let you know that the Polar Academy Course was probably the best course I have participated in for the past few years. The organization was impeccable, the overall course atmosphere was truly interdisciplinary (and that is something you do not see in many courses), and the treatment I received from the university, the lecturers and you, was one of the best. I felt respected, secure and welcome at all times. Having participated in many courses, […], I must say, the course you offer is one of best quality, organization and learning outcome – I learned a lot during the course, through the experience of Svalbard everyday life and am still learning through the continuous work for the essay we are preparing.”

Elena Kavvatha, student at the NVP Summer School 2022

 

Safety briefing in Longyearbyen

Students attending a safety training held by Fred S. Hansen, Director of HSE and Infrastructure at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS).

Varden Longyearbyen

During the safety briefing, participants were shown around town by the Arctic Safety Centre. The walk concluded a hike to Varden, one of Longyearbyen’s popular hiking destinations.

Bus ride to Svalbard Satellite Station

A 15-minute bus ride from Longyearbyen took us to the world’s largest commercial ground station, Svalbard Satellite Station (SvalSat).

NVP Summer School students

Students and coordinators gathering for a group photo at Svalbard Satellite Station.

The ghost town of Pyramiden in Svalbard

After an intense week, students and coordinators had the pleasure of participating on an optional boat excursion to Pyramiden and the Billefjord.

Seal Nordenskiöld Glacier in Svalbard

The boat excursion offered stunning views of glacier fronts and different wildlife.

 

The Summer School Coordinators

The Summer School 2022 was hosted by the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research (NVP), The Nansen Scientific Society, and the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS).

Bjørn Kaltenborn is Vice President of NVP and Senior Research Scientist at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA).

Lars-Otto Reiersen is Marine Biologist and Professor with a long-term track record from working in the Arctic.

Anton Kjelaas is former president of NVP. He has a long track record in geophysical research linked to the Arctic and other regions.

Thor S. Larsen is NVP’s Secretary General and Researcher at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU).

Ragnhild Utne is NVP’s Office Manager.

The 2021 International Summer School is cancelled and postponed to 2022

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Photo by: Eva Therese Jenssen/UNIS

 

It is with a heavy heart that the Academy Board has decided to cancel the NVP International Summer School 2021 and postpone to summer 2022.

After cancelling the 2020 International Summer School due to Covid-19, the Academy planned to arrange a physical International Summer School on Svalbard during the autumn/winter of 2021. For a long time we hoped to be able to arrange the 2021 Summer School, but unfortunately, we must cancel due to implications of Covid-19.

All students accepted to the 2020 and 2021 summer schools, will be offered to attend the 2022 Summer School that will be arranged in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. In late 2021 or early 2022 we will contact all students regarding dates for the 2022 Summer School. The 2022 Summer School will most likely be arranged in June 2022.

The Board of directors and the organizing committee have decided to keep the program and structure of the three years’ project «The Global Arctic». This means that the program will be the same, with minor changes, and moves forward in time for 2022‐2024.

Whether the Academy will open for new applications for the 2022 Summer School has not been decided. More information will follow in early 2022.

The Board of Directors and the organizing committee are sincerely sorry that we yet again are in a position where we must postpone the International Summer School due to the Covid-19 situation.

Questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact us on post@polar-academy.com if you have questions.

Decision regarding the 2021 International Summer School

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Photo by: Eva Therese Jenssen/UNIS

Decision regarding the 2021 International Summer School

As previously informed, The Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research decided to cancel the 2020 International Summer School and postpone to 2021 due to the global outbreak of Covid-19.

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 situation is still changing rapidly, and the global situation is highly uncertain. Thus, the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research has decided to not arrange the 2021 International Summer School during the summer months of 2021.

The Academy has considered arranging the summer school digitally, but decided not to do this. Experiencing Svalbard and field activity are two key components in our summer school, as well as we believe that meeting physically is an important ground stone for the interdisciplinary joint peer reviewed article that the students will publish as a result from the work at the summer school.

Moving forward, the Academy will plan for a physical International Summer School on Svalbard during the autumn/winter of 2021.

All qualified students from 2020 have been kept in the Academy’s records and contacted in February 2021, and will be contacted again as soon as new dates for the 2021 International Summer School have been decided. A decision is expected in mid-May 2021.

Whether the committee will open for new applications for the 2021 Summer School has not been decided.

The Board of Directors and the organizing committee are sincerely sorry that we yet again are in a position where we must postpone the International Summer School due to the Covid-19 situation.

Questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact us on post@polar-academy.com if you have questions.

Update – NVP International Summer School 2021

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Due to the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), The Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research decided to postpone the 2020 International Summer School until 2021. Dates for the 2021 Summer School has not yet been decided.

Qualified applicants from 2020 has been kept in the Academy’s records and will be contacted as soon as new dates for the 2021 Summer School has been decided.

Whether the committee will open for new applications for the 2021 Summer School has not been decided.

More information about the 2021 Summer School will be published on the Academy’s web site in February 2021.

Current information about the International Summer School 2021 can be seen here.

NVP International Summer school 2020 – Postponed until 2021

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During the last days, there has been rapid development in the situation regarding the Coronavirus. Health and safety is of the highest priority all around the world.

Due to the global outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), The Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research has decided to cancel the 2020 International Summer School and postponed to next year (June 2021).

We have received 61 applications from candidates from 25 different countries and the uncertainty around the global situation would make difficult to move forward to organize the participation of the selected candidates.

The NVP International Summer School is organized in cooperation with UNIS – The University Centre in Svalbard and we follow UNIS’ contingency plans for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) based on the advisories from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local authorities in Longyearbyen.

The committee will still move forward and review all applications, those who are considered as qualified will receive an email in a couple of weeks’ time where we will suggest to keep an open application for next year and we will keep them informed about the plans moving forward. This doesn’t mean that you will be admitted but that we would like to keep your application in our files, and you will receive regular information from the Academy regarding the Summer School program. At a later stage this year, you will be asked if you want to keep your application active or not. If you do not hear form us by the end of this month, this means your application was not qualified for participation.

In these difficult times, we would like to encourage you to follow the recommendations you receive from your local authorities to keep you and those around you healthy.