The University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet) is reinforcing its commitment to Arctic research by deepening cooperation with Greenland through its historic research facility, Arctic Station (Arktisk Station).
This initiative not only bolsters advanced scientific studies in areas such as permafrost, climate change, and marine ecosystems but also strengthens the bonds between the institution and the local Greenlandic community.
A historic legacy at Arctic station
Founded in 1906 by botanist Morten Pedersen Porsild—with support from pioneering polar researchers like Knud Rasmussen, Mylius-Erichsen, and Fridtjof Nansen—Arctic Station (Arktisk Station) has long served as a cornerstone for Arctic research.
Initially reserved for biologists and later extended to include geologists and geographers, the station was transferred to the University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet) in 1953. Its extensive archive of weather, ice, and snow data makes it one of the most valuable resources for understanding long-term climatic trends in the Arctic.
Expanding collaboration with Greenland
In a bid to further integrate Greenland into its academic and research framework, the University of Copenhagen is planning to enhance cooperation with local institutions. Arctic Station will soon welcome students from Greenland’s new biology program, providing them with direct access to state-of-the-art data and facilities.
As reported by Uniavisen, Professor Kirsten S. Christoffersen from the Biological Institute (Biologisk Institut), Freshwater Biology Section, who leads Arctic Station, in discussions with leaders of Greenland’s new bachelor program in biology, she emphasized the importance of sharing data and expertise:
“Sharing knowledge is the DNA of research, so I talked to them about how they can use our data and facilities in their work and contribute to the Greenlandic society.”
Community engagement and local Interest
Arctic Station, located on the west Greenlandic island Qeqertarsuaq/Disko, attracts researchers and students from around the globe. Its role in local events has grown significantly. During the Greenlandic edition of Kulturnatten, the station engaged over 100 people from a community of approximately 800 inhabitants.
Local residents expressed genuine interest in the station’s work, particularly in areas such as marine research, waste collection projects, and studies on shifting food chains. For example, when researchers set sail on the station’s vessel, Porsild, to conduct water quality tests, locals were eager to understand:
“All families in Qeqertarsuaq have a boat and are happy to go out to fish, so they were curious to know what we did at sea when we were not fishing for fish.”
Additionally, ongoing environmental projects—such as plastic waste collection from designated areas—have spurred community dialogue:
“The project has been running for nearly ten years, and over the years we have seen a reduction in plastic, which of course is positive, but also a source of wonder, is there actually less plastic in the seas now – or where does the waste disappear to?”
Challenges and future prospects for Arctic research
While the local community shows strong support, concerns remain regarding the potential impacts of geopolitical developments—such as the controversial political statements from abroad—on Arctic research and education. Professor Christoffersen warned:
“Without Greenland, Denmark is not an Arctic nation. The University of Copenhagen will no longer be able to offer our students at bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels the opportunity to conduct field studies in the unique environment around Arctic Station on Qeqertarsuaq.”
The potential loss of decades of climate and environmental data would mark a severe setback for ongoing research:
“It is of great importance that the station’s history goes back so far. The majority of all our projects today have a climate change dimension, and that knowledge bank would be a disaster to lose.”
