Led by Professor Emeritus Michael Tjernström from Stockholm University, the course "The Arctic Ocean Climate System" blends lectures with hands-on scientific fieldwork. Participants will gain both specialised knowledge and a broader understanding of the Arctic climate and ocean system. At the same time, the expedition contributes to mapping the seabed under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), feeding into international efforts to chart the central Arctic Ocean.

“It’s a unique opportunity — and a new role for me”

You’re heading out on another expedition with Oden. How do you feel about it?
– As a retired professor, I thought my Arctic fieldwork was behind me after five expeditions to the central Arctic. But when this opportunity came up, I couldn’t say no. This time it’s different — I’m not responsible for instruments or logistics. Others handle that. Instead, I get to lead a graduate-level research school combining real fieldwork with academic instruction. It’s both exciting and a bit daunting.

A course where theory meets reality

You’re leading the Early Career Scientist programme. What does that involve?
– It’s a rare mix of formal education and authentic scientific work. While PhD students often take part in expeditions, this time the course is built around them. Some participants have never even done fieldwork before. They’ll be working with data collection and sampling under supervision, while also attending lectures that span multiple disciplines. The programme deepens their expertise but also offers a broader systems view — and it fosters a strong sense of community on board.

What sets this course apart from a traditional university class?
– The fieldwork is real, not just a lab exercise. Combined with a lecture series that provides both breadth and depth, it creates an experience that can’t be replicated in a lecture hall. Students will see how theory is applied in practice and how different fields of research are interconnected.

Building Arctic knowledge — and a research culture

What do you hope participants take away from the expedition?
– I hope it’s an unforgettable experience that expands both their scientific and personal horizons. They’ll learn more about their own field, but also gain insight into others. I want them to see the value of a holistic perspective — and perhaps be inspired to pursue a career in polar research. And they’ll leave with first-hand experience of how research is conducted in the central Arctic — the challenges, and the rewards.

Research under extreme conditions

What’s it like to collect data in the high Arctic?
– Planning is everything. You have to bring everything you need, often in duplicates — there’s no shop in the pack ice. When equipment fails, creativity and teamwork are essential. Summer temperatures are usually around zero degrees, so frostbite is rare, but moisture and ice can disrupt instruments. Oden’s vibrations and movements while icebreaking add further complexity, requiring stabilisation of equipment and measurement of ship motion. On the ice, safety is critical — especially with polar bears around. Trained guards keep constant watch.

Science from seabed to stratosphere

What kind of measurements will students take part in?
– A wide range — from the seafloor to the upper atmosphere. That includes sediment sampling, seabed mapping, measuring temperature, salinity, and biogeochemical properties of the water, sea ice studies, energy fluxes between ocean, ice and air, and atmospheric profiling. Most activities are led by experienced researchers, but PhD students are hands-on throughout. Although high-quality data is generated, the focus here is education — not one single scientific objective.

An interdisciplinary platform for discovery

What does it mean that the programme is interdisciplinary?
– Researchers from many fields live and work together on board, so cross-disciplinary interaction happens naturally. But we go further — lectures provide both overviews and deeper dives into various topics, and participants are encouraged to join multiple work programmes. Thematic workshops allow them to summarise and present findings to one another. It’s a way to develop both specialisation and broad understanding.

How does the expedition contribute to Arctic climate science?
– On three levels. First, by improving understanding of Arctic processes that feed into climate models. Second, by contributing long-term data for tracking environmental change — although many more expeditions are needed to see clear trends. But most importantly, we’re training a new generation of polar scientists. Their future contributions are still unknown, but I’m confident they will be important.

Life on board and advice for newcomers

How do you balance work and social life during six weeks at sea?
– With openness, dialogue and community spirit. We work hard, but it’s essential to look out for one another. Activities like Sunday dinners, film nights, table tennis, the sauna — even dance classes — help build cohesion. There’s also a gym, deck walks, and time for reading or reflection.

Any tips for first-time participants?
– Keep a journal! You won’t remember everything, and it’s invaluable for processing what you’ve learned. It’s also a personal memento.
If you feel unwell — talk to someone. There’s medical staff and experienced colleagues on board.
Bring books, music and films to last the journey. And don’t forget the basics: sleep, eat well and move your body.