Announcement of Opportunity
NERC ARCTIC RESEARCH STATION, NY-ÅLESUND, SVALBARD.
To facilitate environmental research in the Arctic, NERC has laboratory space and a field support facility at Ny-Ålesund, Spitsbergen, in the Svalbard Archipelago.
The station allows researchers from UK universities, research institutes and other recognised organisations (and their international collaborators), to carry out environmental research relevant to the NERC remit at Ny-Ålesund. The station is an ideal place for PhD students to gain skills in polar fieldwork techniques, and we particularly encourage applications from accompanied students
Background
Ny-Ålesund (79°N 11°E) is the focus of a growing international science community, which includes stations owned by Norway, Germany, Japan, Italy, France, South Korea, China, UK and others. The Kings Bay Company (KBC) provides a service infrastructure for the site.
The NERC Arctic Research Station comprises 400m2 of laboratory, workshop and storage space plus single bedrooms. (Additional accommodation can be provided by KBC.) The station provides limited laboratory facilities and field equipment, telephone, fax and e-mail, computer facilities, VHF radio, satellite telephones, firearms, boat and snowmobile. (The hire of snowmobiles for specific projects can be arranged.) There are flights to Ny-Ålesund from Longyearbyen, the latter being served by scheduled flights from Norway.
Detailed information about the research station and travel can be obtained from the station manager. You are strongly advised to consult the Arctic Station Handbook published on this web site.
Field Season
The station will be open for the period June to September. The station may also open in March or April if required. March/April opening is primarily for NERC funded projects, although applicants funded by agencies other than NERC will be considered if station capacity allows. The station does not operate in May.
Application
Application form (21KB)
NERC invites applications for use of this facility. Completed application forms for the summer season (June - September) should be sent before 31 March, as an email attachment, to Dominique Butt and Nick Cox (details below).
Late applications will be given consideration if there is space available. Those wishing to use the facility in March/April should notify the station manager and submit their application as soon as possible.
Applications should state the scientific objectives of the research and outline the fieldwork programme proposed for Ny-Ålesund. This information may be published on the NERC website and circulated to other Ny-Ålesund stations. Applicants should indicate any agreed collaborative arrangements, especially those with Norwegian colleagues.
Information on personnel involved, specialised equipment use, storage requirements and the length of stay are also required. For health and safety reasons applications from lone individuals are not accepted. Projects should involve at least two individuals.
Evidence of sources of financial support for research costs, travel and accommodation must be given. Researchers wishing to use the NERC base at Ny-Ålesund will be responsible for their own travel, in transit accommodation costs and KB Mess Hall charges.
To help scientists achieve their scientific goals and to make sure their fieldwork is safe and productive, applicants are required to provide a project description outlining the geographical area(s) in which research will take place, activities proposed and details of the level of field proficiency (i.e. mountain/glacier travel, boat handling etc.) for each member of the project team.
Applicants should note that individuals and/or project teams working in challenging or risky areas, must consider the need for a suitably skilled 'field assistant' or 'guide' to accompany them in such areas, and if advised that this is necessary, make provision for such an individual. Applicants should note NERC policy on the provision of field assistants, namely the duty of care for HEI researchers rests with their employers and not with NERC.
Following NERC approval
Once initial project approval has been obtained from NERC, further personal details for the Project Team, and completed risk assessments and COSHH forms must be submitted to the Station Manager. The Station Manager can provide generic risk assessments for most field activities. Since there is no doctor on site, all applicants should be medically fit. Risk assessments should include potential health problems. Individuals should possess a valid first-aid certificate.
The Station Manager is the logistical contact for all approved projects and should receive updates from PIs on a regular basis prior to arrival in Ny-Ålesund. Applicants are expected to have appropriate field clothing and footwear for the proposed field activity. A clothing list can be found in the Arctic Station Handbook. Specialised cold weather footwear and clothing are available for those visiting the station during April. Applicants should discuss field clothing and equipment with the Station Manager.
For their own safety in the field, all researchers are required to carry a rifle when away from base. A firearms training course, which includes familiarization with the NERC owned rifles is provided at the station in Ny-Ålesund.
Contact details
Dominique Butt
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: +44 (0)1793 411751
Fax: +44 (0)1793 411545
For additional information, or to discuss any issues prior to application, please contact the Station Manager:
Mr Nick Cox
British Antarctic Survey
High Cross, Madingley Road
Cambridge, CB3 0ET
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1223 221502
Fax: +44 (0)1223 362616