Day 9 began under brilliant sunshine, with a vast expanse of sea ice surrounding Oden. Far off on the horizon, we could make out an iceberg together with a superior mirage above it. Every day on the expedition brings something new and fascinating.
Hanna Farnelid at the Linnaeus University leads the research school during Canada–Sweden Arctic Ocean 2026 which starts on August 10. The programme gives early-career researchers the opportunity to combine theory, fieldwork and international collaboration in the central Arctic Ocean.
Kristineberg Marine Research Station has acquired a new research vessel. After being christened on 10 June, R/V Broms is now on its way to its new home port on Sweden’s west coast. The vessel will play an important role in ongoing investments at Kristineberg and will strengthen opportunities for research, education and the development of new marine technologies.
The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat participated in the 28th European Research Vessel Operators (ERVO) Meeting in Trieste, Italy, together with colleagues from the Swedish Research Vessel Network (SON), including R/V Svea, R/V Skagerak and I/B Oden.
In the summer of 2026, researchers will travel to Bear Island (Bjørnøya) in the Barents Sea to investigate fossils and sedimentary rocks from a time when life on land underwent major changes. The expedition is led by researchers from the Swedish Museum of Natural History and carried out with operational support from the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat.
When the icebreaker Oden departs for the Arctic during the Canada–Sweden Arctic Ocean 2026 expedition, upper secondary school teacher Henrik Swärd will be on board as a participant in the expedition’s Teacher Program. For him, the expedition is not only an opportunity to experience research up close, but also to bring knowledge and experiences back to the classroom.