Monday, 20 July 2026

The Arctic up close: ORF special feature on the University of Graz’s research station in S

An iceberg in the foreground, lapped by turquoise-blue meltwater; in the background, steep, partly snow-capped rocky mountains, a small research station on the shore and a long wooden jetty jutting out into the sea – crisp, cool colours against a cloudless sky, captured from a bird’s-eye view.

The Sermilik Research Station in eastern Greenland. Photo: University of Graz/Trügler

Students from the University of Graz are spending two weeks conducting research at the Sermilik Fjord in Greenland, which has been operational for three years. They are measuring glacial runoff, tracking ice melt in real time and installing weather stations. ORF is following the expedition and will be reporting on the special feature ‘Arctic Adventure’ across its various channels from 20 July.

Research amidst fjords, glaciers and Arctic landscapes: For the past three years, the University of Graz has been operating a research station in Sermilik Fjord, right next to an existing facility run by the University of Copenhagen. Located a day’s walk from the nearest village, the station can accommodate up to 30 researchers during the summer. In terms of research facilities, the station is one of the five largest EU facilities of its kind in the Arctic. A research group from the University of Graz, together with students, is currently on site at Sermilik Fjord.

ORF journalist Paul Sihorsch is accompanying the current expedition to the research station and will be reporting from the Sermilik Station for a week from 20 July as part of a multimedia special entitled “Adventure Arctic”. The science editorial team will be sharing insights into research and life in the Arctic via radio, TV and online. On 23 July, Ö1 will dedicate an entire theme day to the Arctic – featuring music from the polar region, fascinating insights into research and discussions on geopolitical issues.

Further details: https://oe1.orf.at/arktis

Water flows and time-lapse

Among other things, during their stay at the outlet of the Mittivakkat Glacier, Students and Scientists will measure water flows, set up sensors to record ice melt in real time, and install automated weather stations and time-lapse cameras to document changes in the ice. Preparations for next year’s research projects are already underway this year.

For researchers from Austria, the station’s location is of interest for several reasons: the glaciers of East Greenland resemble those in the Austrian Alps, but are largely free from human influence. Here, the interaction between the atmosphere and the glacier can be studied without interference. Any change to the Greenland ice sheet has a direct impact on the climate in Europe. In addition to glaciology, the University of Graz’s research focuses on meteorology, climate change, the interaction between the Arctic and the atmosphere, and much more.

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