The programme will be part of a nine-day science cruise to central-east Greenland, starting and ending in Reykjavik. The vessel will be the R/V Skagerak, operated by the University of Gothenburg. There are five berths available within the programme for early career researchers.

Applications must be submitted by 14 May 2025.

Background

The UK-led KANG-GLAC project began in 2024 and included a 41-day research cruise aboard the UK’s polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, to the fjords and continental shelf of central-east Greenland last summer.

The project’s goals are to assess the impacts of ocean-forced tidewater glacier change on marine primary productivity and circulation around Greenland, and to determine whether the present-day decay of the Greenland ice sheet has passed a climatic “tipping point”. This will be achieved by comparing detailed modern observations with data from previous warm periods.

A small team will return to the region this summer to recover and re-deploy moorings and conduct additional sampling work. Alongside this work, there is an opportunity to participate in a focused, practical, and impactful training programme designed for a small group of early career researchers from Greenland, Sweden, Iceland, and the United Kingdom.

The ECR programme is generously supported by the UK Science and Technology Network, part of the UK Government.

The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and the British Antarctic Survey recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to encourage and promote research collaboration between the two organisations. This training programme is delivered under this agreement.

Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the theory and practice of observations in the Arctic marine environment. The programme, entitled ‘The Arctic Ocean System’, will combine practical hands-on work—including familiarisation with marine sampling techniques—training on how to plan and conduct Arctic marine research, and methods for marine observations and data recording. Lectures covering the coupled Arctic climate system will also be included.

A dedicated ECR programme coordinator will be provided by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. The programme will be delivered in partnership with the KANG-GLAC researchers and technicians.

Dates

• 11 August 2025: Vessel mobilisation in Reykjavik
• 12–14 August: Transit over Denmark Strait, conducting survey work
• 14–16 August: Mooring recovery and re-deployment, along with additional data collection and sampling in the wider fjord system
• 16–18 August: Return to Reykjavik, conducting survey work
• 19 August 2025: Vessel de-mobilisation in Reykjavik

Applications

This training programme is aimed at Master’s students, PhD students, and early career postdocs without established marine research positions or who are not part of established marine research teams. Priority will be given to ECRs who are about to complete or have recently completed their PhD (or have equivalent research experience), as well as applicants from Greenland. Applications are welcome from those with backgrounds outside marine science who wish to broaden their research experience. No prior experience onboard research vessels is required. Applications from Arctic Indigenous Peoples and members of groups traditionally under-represented in Arctic science are particularly welcome.

Successful applicants must complete an appropriate medical screening—arranged individually—before final confirmation of their participation. Failure to successfully complete the medical screening will disqualify the applicant from joining the training programme.

The training programme, course materials, and teaching will be delivered in English.

Financial Support

Thanks to the generous support of the UK Science and Technology Network, the following costs will be covered for the five selected participants:

• Return travel, including flights, from your home to the port of departure in Reykjavik.
• Food and berth costs onboard the R/V Skagerak.
• Medical screening required to confirm eligibility to embark.

Other expenses, such as salary, personal expenses, personal equipment, or any additional costs, are not covered. No per diem expenses will be provided.

Assessment

The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat will evaluate the applications and make the final decisions, using an expert panel consisting of representatives from partner institutions and others. The Secretariat will strive for a balance in gender, disciplines, and institutional affiliations.