On 17 June, high-level representatives from Sweden, the EU and the research community gathered aboard the icebreaker Oden in the port of Helsingborg to discuss the growing geopolitical importance of the Arctic — and how research, strategic presence and projects such as the Arctic submarine cable Polar Connect can strengthen Europe’s climate knowledge, security and digital competitiveness.
The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and the University of Gothenburg have signed a joint declaration of intent regarding the transfer of the Kristineberg Marine Research Station to the Secretariat’s operations.
Applications for SWERVE-funded ship time in 2026 are now open! This call applies to the vessels KBV 181, Electra, Svea, Ocean Surveyor and Skagerak. SWERVE have extended the deadline for Ship Time Application to the 11th of August.
For over a hundred years, the Abisko Scientific Research Station (ANS) of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat has collaborated with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) to collect hydrological data in the Abisko area.
The GEOEO North of Greenland 2024 expedition with the icebreaker Oden was a great success that exceeded the scientists' expectations. Despite extreme ice conditions, researchers successfully collected extensive data from some of the world's most inaccessible ocean areas.
A field course was held in Abisko on March 24–28 for a total of 21 participants ahead of the upcoming Antarctic expedition iQ2300. The expedition aims to study how melting ice sheets in East Antarctica may affect sea levels in the future.
Cristina Bernárdez, teacher at Gullmarsgymnasiet in Lysekil, sees the Canada-Sweden Arctic Ocean 2025 expedition as an opportunity to give students unique insights into the Arctic's sensitive ecosystem. She was selected for a teaching position aboard the icebreaker Oden, following a call from the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat in early 2025.
The Polar Year 2024 has been characterised by an increased focus on polar research, with new government missions, investments in research infrastructure, and successful expeditions in both the Arctic and Antarctic. The importance of polar research has also been clearly highlighted in this year's budget and research policy bills.
Artist Sara-Vide Ericson has been accepted for this year's expedition to the Arctic aboard the icebreaker Oden – a unique opportunity to combine artistic creation with the extreme environment of the Arctic. With an international track record and a passion for large-scale oil paintings, she has long sought the opportunity to challenge herself – both artistically and personally.
