Central Arctic Ocean, 24 August

Being “bitten by the polar bug” is a metaphor for the irresistible, lifelong desire to return to the polar regions time and again. It may seem strange that such a remote, barren and frozen place can be so alluring. Yesterday, we listened to an interesting talk by physician Leif Dotevall about diseases in the Arctic. Just as climate change is progressing faster in the Arctic than in most other places on Earth, we learned that the spread and impacts of infectious diseases can also be amplified here. Although most people on board have been spared from colds, I believe that many have now been bitten by the polar bug.

Perhaps it is the magical blue colour of the sea ice that cannot quite be captured in a photograph. Perhaps it is the light that stays with us around the clock, or the challenges presented by rapidly changing weather and thickening fog, that make it impossible to get enough of this place.

Over the past week, the students in the research school have attended lectures on topics ranging from seabed mapping to ocean currents and the Arctic climate system. A recurring theme throughout the lectures is how little we know about the central Arctic Ocean, where we are currently located. Every sample and measurement we take provides new knowledge that contributes to our understanding of our planet’s future. For me as a researcher, this is a very good reason to return to the Arctic.

Through international collaborations and networks extending beyond our own fields of research, we can make new discoveries and address major challenges together. We collect scientific data and develop computational models, but ultimately it is the discussions and creative thinking that arise when people meet that truly create added value. I cannot think of a better place for this than here in the Arctic!

Text: [name], ECR Programme Coordinator