The Polar Year 2024 has meant a significantly increased emphasis on polar research, both nationally and internationally. The year got off to a positive start when the government decided on an investigation regarding the acquisition of a new polar research vessel. This decision meant that an investigator was appointed to assist the government offices in developing a basis for the potential acquisition. In parallel, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat supported this work by collecting input from relevant research funders, universities, authorities, potential international partners, and the shipping industry.

This assignment, along with other significant government assignments reported to the Ministry of Education during the year, has largely characterised the Secretariat’s activities. These include tasks such as communicating polar research and its significance for understanding climate change, as well as presenting a proposal for a new research strategy for Antarctica.

At the national level, the government has clearly highlighted the strategic importance of the Arctic. Polar research was mentioned 22 times in the budget bill, signalling its increased political priority. The bill emphasises the crucial role of research infrastructure as a precondition for continued excellent research, and highlights the need for long-term, stable financial conditions. This development is naturally something we welcome.

Polar research also received considerable attention in the research policy bill presented by the government in December 2024, where it was mentioned 35 times. The bill includes several initiatives within our field, which is gratifying. The government has also incorporated several proposals previously highlighted by the secretariat, including:

1. Investment in a polar research school.
2. Polar Connect – a data connection between Europe and Asia via the Arctic, offering great potential for research and environmental monitoring.
3. Targeted investments in polar research, including the proposal to designate polar research as a strategic research area (SFO).

Expeditions and fieldwork in 2024

2024 has been a productive year for expeditions. Our expeditions to the Wasa research station in Antarctica have investigated how the continent might change in a warmer climate. Using Wasa as a base, researchers and technicians conducted expeditions in remote areas to collect bedrock samples and boulders transported by the ice sheet. These samples provide valuable insights into Antarctica’s climate history.

The GEOEO expedition with the icebreaker Oden to northern Greenland took place in August and September. Thanks to excellent collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces, researchers, staff from the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, and the crew of Oden were transported by Hercules aircraft from Arlanda to the American base Pittufik (formerly Thule), where the expedition began. We also collaborated with NASA, NOAA, ArcSix, and ICE-PPR, and became the first ship to reach Victoria Fjord—an achievement in itself. Additional details about our expeditions and partnerships can be found elsewhere in this annual report.

At the Abisko Scientific Research Station, demand from national and international researchers remained high. This resulted in an intensive and stimulating field season, featuring both new and recurring projects. The station also engaged in new international collaborations to maintain its status as one of the leading research stations in the Arctic.

Katarina Gårdfeldt
Director-General