Research Agenda
Research Agenda
The Arctic stands as one of Earth’s most climate-sensitive regions, currently undergoing rapid and unprecedented transformations. At the heart of these changes is the vanishing cryosphere – the accelerating loss of sea ice, glaciers, and snow cover. This dramatic retreat is not merely a symptom; it’s a primary driver of profound environmental and ecological disruptions across the circumpolar North and beyond. To accurately predict both regional and global impacts, it’s absolutely crucial to gain a deep understanding of the complex interactions and cascading effects between climate and these far-reaching environmental shifts.
As a dedicated hub for polar science, Sermilik Station welcomes researchers from all disciplines, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Arctic change. We operate in strong alignment with Greenland’s National Research Strategy (https://nis.gl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/english-book.pdf), ensuring our research contributes directly to national priorities while fostering international collaboration in addressing one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Research Focus at Sermilik Station
Current research at Sermilik Station is dedicated to investigating the effects of the vanishing cryosphere on the Arctic environment. We particularly focus on the intricate interconnections between key subsystems of the Arctic geosphere and their broader environmental implications. To achieve a new understanding of such change processes in the Arctic, we combine in-situ data and observations with remote sensing and satellite data. We also leverage data-driven methods like deep learning, providing a robust basis for our findings.
Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Local Collaboration
At Sermilik Station, we recognize the invaluable importance of Indigenous knowledge and are committed to fostering long-term collaboration with local inhabitants. For millennia, Greenlandic communities have lived in harmony with the Arctic environment, accumulating rich, nuanced understandings of its rhythms, changes, and vulnerabilities. This traditional ecological knowledge offers critical insights that complement and enrich scientific data, providing unique perspectives on environmental trends, species behavior, and the impacts of climate change that cannot be gained through scientific methods alone.
We actively encourage research projects that not only advance scientific understanding but also provide direct benefits for the local communities in East Greenland. This includes collaborating on research design, involving local residents in fieldwork, and ensuring that research outcomes are communicated effectively and respectfully back to the communities. By working hand-in-hand with the people who call this region home, we can achieve a more holistic and relevant understanding of Arctic change, contributing to more effective adaptation strategies and sustainable environmental management for the benefit of all.