Exploring the Future of the Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayas: Highlights from the 2024 NVP Summer School in Svalbard

The 2024 NVP Summer School, hosted by the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research (NVP) in collaboration with the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), concluded its trio series with a rich exploration into the interconnectedness of Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayan regions. Held from 9 June to 19 June in Longyearbyen, this year’s theme, "The Global Arctic: A Three-Pole Perspective," highlighted the critical links between these extreme environments and their global impacts on climate change, livelihoods, food, and sustainability.

Participants included a diverse group of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from 13 different countries, fostering a vibrant forum for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration. The curriculum was designed to break disciplinary boundaries, encouraging the students to tackle applied and complex global issues collaboratively.

A key event of the summer school was the boat excursion into the Isfjord, culminating in a landing at the stunning Bjonahamna in Tempelfjord under the endless Arctic sun. This and other excursions complemented classroom activities, which included lectures by renowned international experts, interactive group work, and discussions.

The programme not only provided academic enrichment but also nurtured a cooperative network among the next generation of polar researchers. It emphasized the value of bringing together individuals from vastly different academic backgrounds, helping them see the interconnectedness of their studies.

As the Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayas continue to be critical zones in global environmental science, the NVP Summer School is more than ever a vital platform for preparing scientists to lead in understanding and conserving these key regions. The experiences and collaborations formed here highlight the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches in responding to global environmental challenges.

The 2025 NVP International Summer School received funding from the University of the Arctic (UArctic) and the Norwegian Research Council.

The programme can be seen here.

Director of HSE and Quality, Fred Skancke Hansen, at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), conducts mandatory safety training for all students at the start of the program, covering polar bear safety and natural hazards.

Student Shardul looking over Longyearbyen from the Plateau Mountain during a hike.

Mandatory selfies during a mountain hike in Longyearbyen after a full day of safety training.

Student Aniella enjoying the majestic mountains during the boat excursion.

Professor Janne Søriede at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) collects samples during a boat excursion, assisted by summer school students pulling in the sampling ropes.

Adjunct Professor Mike Retelle at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) delivers a brief lecture on the geology of the surrounding landscape in Bjonahamna, Tempelfjord.

Students and lecturers enjoyed the sunshine during the boat trip in Tempelfjord, where patches of sea ice could still be seen in the inner parts of the fjord.

One of Svalbard's fascinating mountain seen through the ship's window during the boat excursion to the inner parts of the Isfjord.

Excursion to Bjørndalen.

Mike Retelle in Bjørndalen. Mike is an adjunct professor in Arctic Geology at the University Centre in Svalbard and professor emeritus in the Department of Earth and Climate Sciences at Bates College, USA.

Participants enjoying a drytech dinner in Bjørndalen, west of Longyearbyen, during an excursion.

Professor Mark Nuttall from the University of Alberta and students examine a geographical map while observing the surrounding terrain during an excursion in Bjørndalen.

Senior Research Scientist and Summer School Committee Leader, Bjørn Kaltenborn, carrying a rifle for polar bear protection during an excursion in Bjørndalen.

One of many Svalbard reindeer spotted in Bjørndalen. This reindeer is endemic to the Svalbard archipelago.

NVP's president Grete K. Hovelsrud, Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Nord University and Reseach Professor at Nordland Research Institute in Bodø, Norway.

The Isfjord seen from Bjørndalen.

Students, lecturers, and summer school organisers convene at NVP's Isdammen property for a final gathering to conclude the 2024 summer school programme.