The Arctic region is rapidly increasing in global significance. Climate change transforms the environmental conditions in previously unseen ways with new challenges and opportunities for logistics, resource exploitation and commercial development, but also exerting pressures on indigenous and local populations and vulnerable ecosystems. Geopolitical and strategic issues are brought to the forefront of the international political agendas.

The challenges experienced in the Arctic are also evident in the Antarctic and are especially pronounced in the Himalayan Region. NVP has chosen to use a unified framework that connects the Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayan regions as the overarching theme for the Svalbard Summer Schools 2022 – 2023 – 2024, set to take place in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

The 2024 Summer School, culminating the trio series, will build upon comprehensive perspectives, expanding on how the natural systems of extreme environments of the Arctic, the Himalayas and the Antarctic are coupled in vital ways, e.g. how global climate change in these environments will affect the future livelihoods, food, and sustainability not only within these regions, but also on a global scale. The curriculum is highly interdisciplinary, and a major objective of the summer school is to train young scholars to think across disciplinary boundaries and discuss applied and complex issues.

The initial 4 days will be in Longyearbyen, followed by 6 days at the Isfjord Radio field station, concluding with the final night back in Longyearbyen. Accommodation in both Longyearbyen and Isfjord Radio will consist of shared double rooms for the students.

The target group for the NVP Summer School 2024 – The Global Arctic, is PhD students and Postdocs. The relevance of current studies, including personal motivation and relevant experiences, are important selection criteria. Students are required to pay a tuition fee of NOK 6000, which includes accommodation, some meals in Longyearbyen, all meals at Isfjord Radio, and boat transportation to and from Isfjord Radio. However, students must cover their own travel costs to and from Longyearbyen, as well as most meals in Longyearbyen. While all meals are provided at Isfjord Radio, a self-catering kitchen is available at the accommodation in Longyearbyen.

Applications are sent to the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research (NVP) via our online application form. Applications for the NVP Summer School 2024 – The Global Arctic shall include your CV and a cover letter which describes a rationale and motivation for the application.

Application deadline is 3 March 2024. The selected candidates will be notified by 29 March.