A look back at the NVP Summer School 2022
After a long wait, which included a pandemic, we could finally again invite students to the NVP International Summer School in Longyearbyeb on 17–26 June. 17 PhD and Post-Doc students from all corners of the world came to Svalbard to participate on lectures on the Global Arctic – Reaching out to the Third Pole: The role of climate change, geopolitics, and resource availability for global sustainability.
The school’s programme included both theoretical and practical lectures by 13 lecturers of different backgrounds, student group work, and interactive sessions in preparations of an interdisciplinary scientific article.
Students were divided into two working groups, however decided to merge to foster interdisciplinarity among them. During autumn, they will prepare an interdisciplinary article in consultation with the summer school coordinators.
In addition to the lectures, participants of the summer school took part in social gatherings. These included a BBQ at NVPs property Isdammen east of Longyearbyen, as well as an optional boat excursion to the Billefjord and the renowned ghost town of Pyramiden. The latter offered stunning views of glacier fronts and different wildlife.
See the full programme here.
The Polar Academy received inspiring feedback from the students.
“I would like to use this opportunity to let you know that the Polar Academy Course was probably the best course I have participated in for the past few years. The organization was impeccable, the overall course atmosphere was truly interdisciplinary (and that is something you do not see in many courses), and the treatment I received from the university, the lecturers and you, was one of the best. I felt respected, secure and welcome at all times. Having participated in many courses, […], I must say, the course you offer is one of best quality, organization and learning outcome – I learned a lot during the course, through the experience of Svalbard everyday life and am still learning through the continuous work for the essay we are preparing.”
Elena Kavvatha, student at the NVP Summer School 2022.
Students attending a safety training held by Fred S. Hansen, Director of HSE and Infrastructure at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS).
During the safety briefing, participants were shown around town by the Arctic Safety Centre. The walk concluded a hike to Varden, one of Longyearbyen’s popular hiking destinations.
A 15-minute bus ride from Longyearbyen took us to the world’s largest commercial ground station, Svalbard Satellite Station (SvalSat).
Students and coordinators gathering for a group photo at Svalbard Satellite Station.
Students and coordinators gathering for a group photo at Svalbard Satellite Station.
The boat excursion offered stunning views of glacier fronts and different wildlife.
The Summer School Coordinators
The Summer School 2022 was hosted by the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research (NVP), The Nansen Scientific Society, and the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS).
Bjørn Kaltenborn is Vice President of NVP and Senior Research Scientist at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA).
Lars-Otto Reiersen is Marine Biologist and Professor with a long-term track record from working in the Arctic.
Anton Kjelaas is former president of NVP. He has a long track record in geophysical research linked to the Arctic and other regions.
Thor S. Larsen is NVP’s Secretary General and Researcher at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU).
Ragnhild Utne is NVP’s Office Manager.
All photos are property of Ragnhild Utne / NVP.