In eastern Greenland, just south of the Arctic Circle, stands one of the EU’s largest polar research stations: the Sermilik Station run by the University of Graz. Together with the existing infrastructure provided by the University of Copenhagen, it can accommodate 30 researchers in the summer; six people can even carry out research here in the winter. This offers an opportunity to undertake research projects with minimal barriers to entry. The scope ranges from glacier research, meteorology, hydrology and climate change to biology, the testing of technical prototypes under adverse conditions, and much more.
To shape the focus of scientific work at the Sermilik Station for the next ten years, leading polar researchers from around the world met at the University of Graz at the end of May 2026. Over three days, the participants explored the station’s research priorities, identified international networks and collaborations, and developed recommendations for a document by the Scientific Advisory Board that is set to shape the station over the next decade.
On Wednesday, the workshop began with keynote speeches by researchers from the USA (Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, NASA), Denmark (Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen) and Norway (University of Bergen, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences).
On Thursday, specific research objectives were developed in working groups. The University of Graz attaches great importance to collaboration with the local population. The research activities are also intended to offer added value for the local population in East Greenland. As part of a partnership with a local company, a local staff member has therefore been hired, who will also be attending the conference in Graz. “At the University of Graz, we see science as a partnership of equals,” explains Rector Peter Riedler. “What we certainly want to avoid is the impression that our researchers simply come to East Greenland, take a few measurements and then disappear again.”
This was also the guiding principle behind the conclusion of the workshop on Friday, which focused on PhD students and early-career researchers from various scientific fields. They presented their research projects and were able to discuss them with established experts. The station in Sermilik Fjord also plays a central role in the training of young scientists. In the summer of 2026, for example, a large group of Master’s students from the University of Graz will travel to the station on a field trip. The university also provides financial support for stays in Greenland undertaken as part of a Master’s thesis.
Anyone interested in remote areas, the Arctic and glaciers will find the right Bachelor’s degree programme at the University of Graz.