Our work in the Arctic on Svalbard was covered by the press team of the University of Würzburg. It covers our focus on studying the region’s ecosystems and the effects of climate change on its environment using Earth Observation methods.

Please see the german version here: https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/aktuelles/einblick/single/news/forschung-im-hohen-norden/

and a roughly translated english version below:

Research in the High North

For many, the Arctic may seem like a hostile environment, but for science, it holds immense value. Norwegian universities have maintained a research station in Svalbard for over 20 years, and now, the University of Würzburg is collaborating with them.

Research in the Arctic has a long tradition at Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU). As early as the 1970s, the Geography Institute conducted research in Svalbard, also known as Spitsbergen. Professor Stefan Dech, now Chair of Remote Sensing at the Earth Observation Research Cluster (EORC) at JMU, also conducted research there during his doctoral studies.

The EORC is now reviving the long-dormant connection between Würzburg and the Arctic. A new collaboration with the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) offers exciting opportunities in research, study, and teaching, focusing on areas such as climate change, geology, glaciology, biology, and technology under extreme environmental conditions.

Founded in 1993, UNIS is a joint institution of several Norwegian universities, including the University of Bergen, with which JMU is connected through the European university alliance CHARM-EU.

A Scientifically Fascinating System

For Tobias Ullmann, Professor of Remote Sensing, the scientific value of the region is clear: “The Arctic is a scientifically highly interesting system, especially in the context of climate change, which is much more pronounced there than in most other places.” His work in Svalbard seamlessly connects with his previous research in Alaska and Northern Canada. However, the challenging journey to the island, by helicopter or boat, as well as spending weeks in tents, would not be to everyone’s liking.

“The relatively good accessibility, combined with excellent local logistics and outstanding cooperation opportunities, makes working in Svalbard especially effective for us,” adds Dr. Mirjana Bevanda from the EORC. She has visited the region several times, collecting snow and vegetation data at remote locations in Svalbard with the help of drones and has established promising collaborations.

Versatile Opportunities

The collaboration between JMU and UNIS benefits more than just remote sensing. The interdisciplinary nature of the work is evident, for example, in the work of Marco Schmidt, Professor of Embedded Systems and Sensors for Earth Observation at the Institute of Computer Science.

Together with Mirjana Bevanda, he recently took part in a workshop on “Snow Wildlife Interaction” in Svalbard, where the measurement of snow and ice layers was also discussed. “Depending on which technologies are used, different parameters of snow cover can be determined. While remote sensing data is well-suited for large-scale measurements, embedded sensor systems can provide more accurate data for specific small-scale areas in the field,” said the computer scientist.

During the workshop, Schmidt also had the opportunity to test his own systems in the highly variable and extreme weather conditions. The sensor boxes developed in his lab were successfully deployed under real-world conditions at extremely low temperatures. Additionally, other opportunities for ecological research were identified: “A prime example of the unique opportunities this collaboration provides.”

A Unique Opportunity for Students

The potential of the partnership extends beyond research. It also opens exciting opportunities for students to apply remote sensing education in a practical setting under extreme conditions. Students from the international Earth Observation Master’s program (EAGLE) are already actively involved in Arctic fieldwork.

Students Lena Jäger and Ronja Seitz have been collecting field data since January – in the middle of the Arctic night – with their work continuing through the summer. “For me, this is a unique opportunity to study this special ecosystem,” reports Lena Jäger. “It feels great to know that we are actively contributing to a better understanding of climate change,” adds Ronja Seitz. The “mentally and physically demanding work in Arctic survival gear, complete with snowmobiles and rifles,” they say, is worth it.

Special Circumstances

The latter is necessary because Svalbard is also home to the world’s largest land predator: the polar bear. Therefore, one person with Arctic Safety Training must always be present during field research. This training includes not only snowmobile operation and general safety in the Arctic but also firearm training. Mirjana Bevanda has also earned this special qualification and is supervising the theses of the two students.

Meanwhile, Marco Schmidt highlights a less dangerous local feature: “Attending a scientific discussion or lecture in which everyone is wearing socks and thermal clothing after having left their multi-layered Arctic survival gear in the hallway is definitely an experience.”

Planned Collaboration in Teaching

In the coming Arctic winter, lecturers from the Chair of Remote Sensing will offer courses in collaboration with UNIS on remote sensing methods, such as the use of drones for snow and ice analysis. This year’s teaching received a very positive response from students and lecturers on-site.

The research visits have also led to the planning of joint pan-Arctic Science Schools: “Such networks and educational events offer a great opportunity to familiarize the next generation of researchers with Arctic topics,” says Mirjana Bevanda.

Tobias Ullmann sees the collaboration as a great addition to the EAGLE program, making it “even more attractive for future students.” For Marco Schmidt, the partnership offers a wonderful opportunity to test his students’ theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world conditions.

Professor Stefan Dech is also convinced of the potential of the revived research in Svalbard: “I am especially pleased that the circle has now been completed, with research from the Institute of Geography and Geology in Svalbard being continued by a new, young generation and that new technologies, such as drone-based remote sensing, are being applied there,” said the Chair of Remote Sensing. “What excites me the most is seeing the spark in the eyes of my colleagues and EAGLE students when they talk about the fascination of conducting research in this unique part of the world. The ‘polar research virus’ is contagious, and once you’ve caught it, it never lets you go!”