An Introduction to Polar Fieldwork for Early Career Researchers
Closing date for applications @ 23:59 – 22nd November 2022
This course provides a small group of up to 16 NERC and UKRI funded PhD students and Early Career Researchers the opportunity to gain practical skills for working safely and effectively in the polar regions. The course is particularly aimed at those early career researchers who do not have an opportunity for polar fieldwork.
The short course consists of approximately six days of theoretical and practical work in the NERC Arctic Research Station in the international research village of Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard.
Leading operational polar experts and researchers from British Antarctic Survey will guide the course, teaching participants to translate exciting scientific ideas into safe, achievable and effective field plans.
Practical work will be centred on Midrelovenbreen Glacier where you will carry out a radar survey of ice structure, and offshore biological sampling in Kongsfjorden. You do not have to be an expert in either of these fields as the aim is to give general experience of living and working in the polar regions.
A series of tasks and practical exercises will help you to develop your skills in polar leadership, practical planning and how to work efficiently in remote regions. Can you think on your feet and lead a small team? Can you change a field programme at short notice in challenging weather conditions? Planning each day and taking turns at leading the team will be a key feature of the course.
Practical details
Provisional course dates: 15th April – 2nd May 2023*
Numbers will be strictly limited to two groups of 8 participants. Group 1 – 15th April – 24th April/Group 2 – 22nd April – 2nd May 2023
The course is fully funded except for travel to and from London Heathrow Airport
* All course dates to be confirmed.
Further details including eligibility and how to apply are available here
Closing date for applications: 23:59 – 22nd November 2022