The expedition brings together early career researchers from Northern Europe for field-based training focused on climate change, glaciology, ocean primary productivity, and nutrient cycling. By bringing together young scientists from diverse disciplines, the programme aims to lay the foundation for future collaborations in polar research.

Interest in the programme has been overwhelming — 115 applications from early career researchers based in Greenland, Sweden, Iceland and the United Kingdom reflect a growing engagement among young scientists in Arctic and climate issues.

– We’re very pleased with the strong interest. It highlights just how important it is for young researchers to gain hands-on experience in polar environments, says Julia Muchowski.

The programme combines fieldwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international scientific mentorship, creating a unique learning environment.

– It’s not just about learning methods —it’s about building networks and gaining a deeper understanding of the Arctic as a complex system.

Julia is particularly excited to witness the participants’ growth, both as researchers and as part of the polar science community.

–  We hope that the expedition leaves them with a stronger sense of belonging to the international polar research community—and with their curiosity very much alive.

The programme is part of an emerging bilateral collaboration between the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and the British Antarctic Survey, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding. The initiative is generously supported by the UK Science and Technology Network. The programme is conducted alongside field operations for the UK-led KANG-GLAC project, which investigates how ocean-forced glacier retreat impacts marine ecosystems and whether the Greenland ice sheet has passed a climatic tipping point.