– This year marks 19 years since I joined my first polar expedition aboard the icebreaker Oden, and I still vividly remember the feeling of standing on metre-thick sea ice for the first time, with several thousand metres of ocean beneath my feet, says Hanna Farnelid, Associate Professor of Marine Ecology at Linnaeus University in Kalmar.

What is the goal of the research school during the expedition?

– The aim of the research school is to provide outstanding early-career researchers with an interest in Arctic science the opportunity to gain hands-on experience collecting unique field data that can be used in research, while also developing a broad understanding of the Arctic climate system. An additional benefit is the creation of international networks between researchers from different disciplines, which will be essential for addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing Arctic.

What do you hope participants will take away from the experience?

– I hope the experiences gained during the expedition will contribute to stronger and more innovative research. I also hope the journey becomes a lifelong memory that participants can share with others who may never have the opportunity to take part in this type of expedition. This is important for raising awareness of climate change in the Arctic and the need for continued research.

What makes this type of training unique compared with studying at a university on land?

– Participants gain access to world-leading technology and expertise over an extended period of time, making this a unique learning opportunity. By taking part in the expedition, they get to experience scientific research as it happens and develop a deeper understanding of the questions they are investigating in their own work. Another unique aspect is the collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, which provides valuable training in interdisciplinary approaches.

Why is interdisciplinarity important in Arctic research?

– Interdisciplinarity is essential in Arctic research because the challenges we face are complex and interconnected. Understanding the bigger picture and developing sustainable solutions requires expertise from the natural sciences, engineering and the social sciences alike.

What does a typical day on board look like?

– Daily life on board is strongly influenced by the weather, which can change rapidly and affect sampling conditions. For example, it may be unsafe to work on the ice when visibility is poor due to fog. Meals are always served at set times, giving the day a clear structure. A typical day includes practical fieldwork and data collection, group work, seminars and lectures. After working hours, participants may gather to play cards, watch a film or challenge each other in a table tennis tournament.

What types of research and data collection will participants be involved in?

– The research school covers a wide range of disciplines, from meteorology and sea-ice measurements to geophysics, geology, oceanography and biology. Some data are collected and analysed in real time, while other datasets require months or even years of post-expedition analysis. The data collected will subsequently be made available to the wider research community.

How are theory and practical research combined during the expedition?

– Participants are divided into groups based on their interests and research projects. Each group is led by a senior researcher with expertise in the relevant field. The integration of practical research and subject-specific theory takes place primarily within these groups. Senior researchers also deliver seminars and lectures attended by all participants, allowing theoretical knowledge to be shared across disciplines and increasing understanding of how data collection is carried out beyond one's own research area.

What does it mean to work aboard Oden in the central Arctic?

– Working aboard Oden in the central Arctic gives us the opportunity to increase our understanding of a region that is changing rapidly and is crucial for understanding the cascading effects of climate change. The icebreaker Oden is essential for reaching these remote and largely unexplored areas and collecting unique data, which makes it a great privilege to work on board.

What will be the biggest challenge in coordinating the research school?

– The greatest challenge is making the most of the knowledge and creative ideas that emerge when people come together. This requires room for flexibility and the unexpected, while at the same time ensuring that the expedition is meticulously planned and prepared.

How do you encourage collaboration between different research disciplines?

– We promote continuous knowledge exchange between groups and establish early plans for sharing data among researchers and with the wider scientific community. Everyone on board presents their research projects, making it easier to initiate discussions that extend beyond their own field of expertise.

What does the international collaboration with Canada mean for the expedition?

– Multidisciplinary and multinational collaborations are essential for successful research. The partnership with Canada helps initiate and strengthen new scientific collaborations, benefiting Swedish polar research not only through the research school but well into the future. Giving early-career researchers the opportunity to collaborate internationally at an early stage is extremely valuable for their professional development. More importantly, it helps build personal networks and partnerships that form the foundation for future collaborative Arctic research.

What are you most looking forward to about this year's expedition?

– What I am most looking forward to is meeting all the participants. So many exciting things happen when people from different backgrounds come together. Together, we will create a unique experience, and our work will become a kind of time capsule of knowledge that can be used both today and in the future.