Early Career Researchers Explore the Central Arctic Ocean: Lessons from the Ice

What was the main scientific focus of the programme? 

“We did not have a specific scientific focus in the ECR programme. Its main goal was to familiarize ECRs with fieldwork in an extreme environment such as the Central Arctic Ocean, providing scientific background on this region through lectures and workshops, and offering hands-on experience in data acquisition. We, the ECRs, were divided into different work packages (WP), each with its own scientific objectives.”  says Vicent Doñate Felip, PhD 

“The WPs dealt with distinct issues and topics. For instance, there was a WP dedicated to sea-ice, one dedicated to sea floor geology, and so on. There were different focuses and goals depending on your WP.” says Lorenzo Luca Donati, PhD

What type of data did you collect, and how will it be used?  

Lorenzo: “We collected all kinds of meteorology data, like radiation data, surface measures of temperatures and vertical direct measurements. This kind of data can be used in many ways. One can mostly divide it in two blocks: experimental studies and model evaluation. 

Vicent: “In the Marine Geology package, which I was part of, we collected sediment samples using piston, gravity, and multi-corers. The processed sediment core data will primarily be used for palaeoceanographic studies through analyses of ancient DNA, organic biomarkers, microfossil assemblages, sedimentology, and palaeomagnetism. The objective is to better constrain how the Central Arctic Ocean, its water masses, and sea ice behaved during past glacial and interglacial periods.”  

Were there any surprising findings or challenges during the voyage?

Vicent: “A surprising moment occurred at the Alpha Ridge, where we recovered a piston core containing 10 cm of rock instead of sediment. We are still uncertain about its implications, but it is an unexpected and exciting sample!"

Lorenzo: “I would not say there were big surprises regarding the data, at least nothing that stood out while we were collecting it. But who knows what will come out from the in-depth analysis that will be carried out in the next months! Regarding life in general, I was really surprised by how noisy it gets when the ship breaks the ice. You get vibrations throughout the entire ship, and strong metallic noises. You get used to it, but it was a bit difficult to sleep at first!”

How does this voyage connect to your ongoing research or PhD/postdoc project?
Vicent: “In the Central Arctic Ocean, there are several seafloor structures associated with fluid and gas escape. Since my PhD focuses on gaseous methane fluxes from sediments into the water column, I joined the expedition to help identify potential gas plumes. One of the side projects of the Canada–Sweden Arctic Ocean 2025 expedition was to collect data for the Polar Connect project, which involves the installation of a fibre-optic cable across the Arctic Ocean. I have been working with Polar Connect during my PhD and may continue this collaboration using the data acquired during the expedition.”

Lorenzo: "My PhD project deals with high-resolution turbulent simulations of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL). So, this cruise was not directly related to the project I am working on, but it was a great complementary experience for me!"

What motivated you to apply for the Early Career Research Voyage programme?

Lorenzo: “The once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the Arctic Ocean was certainly the main drive. Especially for a modeller like me, having not only the chance to do fieldwork but to do it at the North Pole was something incredibly appealing. Alongside this, I was sure that this experience would help me grow as a researcher and as a doctoral student. “

Vicent: “I was motivated by the opportunity to meet other ECRs and learn from them, their research, and their methods. I also wanted to expand my scientific knowledge of the Arctic Ocean, a region of our planet that I have fallen in love with! What truly made it possible for me to join the programme was the 10 ECTS credits offered upon successful completion of the research school requirements. As PhD students, we are always working against the clock, so receiving 10 credits in exchange for six weeks onboard made it feasible for me to apply.”

How has participating in this programme supported your professional development?

Vicent: “I gained valuable experience in processing cores and learned a lot about which information can be derived from them. I also processed geophysical data that was relevant to other work packages, which helped me become more confident in working with this type of data and in explaining it to others. In addition, meeting other ECRs and professors made the experience deeply fulfilling, both personally and professionally."

Lorenzo: “For sure it has increased my understanding of the experimental world: the limitations of experiments, how they can be better combined with models and what are the main difficulties when it comes to performing them in the Arctic. Also, it has helped me expand my network: I got to know many people at the same career stage as me in their academic career.”

What was the most exciting or memorable moment of the voyage?

Vicent: “It’s hard to choose just one, there were three truly memorable moments for me: when we encountered sea ice for the first time, when we went on the ice at the North Pole and when we saw the first polar bears.”

Lorenzo: “Seeing a mother polar bear and her cub was certainly a highlight. I also really enjoyed the blizzard that caught us one day: it was not scary as the Arctic Ocean doesn’t have high waves because of the ice, and it was cool to see and feel a proper Arctic wind during a storm."

What advice would you give to other early career researchers who want to take part in a programme like this?

Vicent: “I would say just go for it! It can be a tough experience at times, but it is also incredibly fulfilling. There is a lot of support available before and during the expedition, which really helps. I do also recommend making the expedition your own: try to collect data you can later publish. It is a great opportunity to do exciting science in such a unique environment!"

Lorenzo: “I agree, just do it! It is an incredible experience and, although it might seem daunting at first, it will certainly be worth it. I think it’s also an almost “compulsory” experience for those that want to work in Arctic-related research: it’s always hard to study and talk about things that you haven’t really experienced."