Extended collaboration to ensure future recruitment
Director Jøran Moen of the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) and Director Camilla Brekke of the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) recently signed a renewed collaboration agreement between the institutions. The agreement builds on an already strong partnership and aims to secure a steady and sustainable recruitment of highly qualified candidates for polar research.
Camilla Brekke (Norwegian Polar Institute), Jøran Moen (UNIS), and Research Director Harald Steen (Norwegian Polar Institute) in front of the Fram Centre in Tromsø after signing the renewed collaboration agreement. Photo: Pål Jakobsen/Norwegian Polar Institute
“The climate and environmental changes in the Arctic create an increasing need for policy-relevant research, now and in the future. We need more polar researchers,” says Director Camilla Brekke of the Norwegian Polar Institute.
To address this demand, Norway must maintain and develop the knowledge and competence required to remain a key international player in polar research.
“We have much to learn from the private sector, which engages early with students to attract talent and secure recruitment. As a university, we must also make ourselves attractive and profession-oriented to inspire more students to pursue critical science disciplines,” says Director Jøran Moen of UNIS.
The proportion of international doctoral candidates remains high, and both Brekke and Moen emphasise the importance of attracting more Norwegian PhD students to key scientific disciplines.
“The agreement we have now renewed opens up new opportunities and joint projects in polar research. When our students can join the Norwegian Polar Institute in the field or spend time at the Ny-Ålesund Research Station, it creates a win-win situation for everyone,” adds Moen.
Camilla Brekke also sees great potential in closer strategic collaboration:
“UNIS and NPI have complementary roles in Svalbard, focusing on research and higher education. We aim to leverage this strategically. Future large-scale initiatives such as Arctic Ocean research, the International Polar Year, and fieldwork activities in both polar regions provide exciting opportunities,” she says.
The agreement focuses on continuing the long-standing and fruitful collaboration between the institutions, including joint projects and teaching. Specifically, the partnership will be enhanced by increasing the integration of expertise, equipment, and infrastructure at the Svalbard Science Centre and the Ny-Ålesund Research Station. The partners have also agreed to harmonise standard HSE procedures for fieldwork to ensure safer and more effective operations.