Global change in the polar regions: An introduction to safe and effective fieldwork for NERC & UKRI funded PhD students
NERC Arctic Station, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway
Provisional course dates: 7th March – 23rd March 2026*
Deadline for applications: 23:59 – 1st July 2025
This course provides a small group of up to 12 NERC and UKRI funded PhD students working on polar based projects the opportunity to gain practical skills for working safely and effectively in the polar regions. The course is particularly aimed at those PhD students 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 team planning and how to work efficiently in remote regions. Can you think on your feet? Can you change a field programme at short notice in challenging weather conditions? Planning each day and playing a key role in a team will be important features of the course.
The course is open to NERC and UKRI funded PhD students working on polar based projects with little or no opportunity for polar fieldwork. PhD students from under-represented and minority groups are actively encouraged to apply.
More information and how to apply can be found here
* Important: Whilst we will do our utmost to run the course, applicants should be aware that due to the tight timescales, availability of travel & accommodation and unpredictable weather conditions, the course may be subject to change, delay or cancellation at short notice. Indicative timetable: Group 1 – 7th-16th March 2026; Group 2 – 14th-23rd March 2026. Applicants must be available for either group.
The course is generously supported by the UK Government.