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Ny-Ålesund Research Station Newsletter
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It was a great pleasure to meet so many colleagues and (new) researchers at the Svalbard Science Conference, the flagship meetings and NySMAC meeting in Oslo this past October. Not only reflected we on the past year, gathered feedback and made plans for the year ahead, but we were also challenged to think larger, further and out of the box. With the fifth International Polar Year upcoming in 2032/2033, now is the time to begin planning.
This final newsletter of 2025 looks back on a successful autumn including meetings, fieldwork and reports. Among them is a new report from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, showing results and reflecting on the continuous measurements they do since 1969 with their weather station in Ny-Ålesund.
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From the deepest of the polar night, we wish you a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to welcoming you in 2026 in Ny-Ålesund again.
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If you wish to receive future newsletters, please remember to sign up.
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News from Ny-Ålesund Research Station
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Interactive overview of ongoing monitoring research
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At Ny-Ålesund research station, national and international institutions collaborate to collect long-term data series covering a wide range of climate and environmental variables. Through the interactive report presented here, you can explore metadata of ongoing monitoring from Ny-Ålesund Research Station.
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Svalbardkartet now in English
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Large parts of Svalbardkartet are now translated into English. Open Svalbardkartet and choose "ENG" at the bottom-left of the webpage. Enjoy the experience!
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Ny-Ålesund Research Station on LinkedIn
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Ny-Ålesund Research Station is establishing LinkedIn as the main social media account. The link in the last newsletter was buggy, this is the correct link to the LinkedIn account. Follow us on LinkedIn for regular updates on research, collaborations and infrastructure in Ny-Ålesund Research Station.
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Regulations about field safety
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An update on field safety regulations is now published by Sysselmesteren. There is no mention of the arrangement regarding the requirement for Svalbard guides. This is likely because they are still working on this issue. As for the requirement to use a Svalbard guide, this does not appear to include regular research and educational activities. The regulation explicitly states that the guide requirement applies to tourist activities and what is defined in the regulation as field activities. For your information, the Norwegian Polar Institute will, until otherwise decided, operate under the assumption that there is no requirement to bring a Svalbard guide when conducting research outside of what is defined as inhabited areas.
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UAV Calendar for 2026
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Do you plan to use a UAV for your next scientific campaign? Please let us know and check the UAV calendar. We will make sure the calendar gets updated, as it serves as an important tool for planning and coordination the use of UAVs. Write to research.nya@npolar.no to inform about your scheduled UAV operations.
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The Norwegian Meteorological Institute reports on data from weather station in Ny-Ålesund
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The Norwegian Meteorological Institute has a weather station in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, with continuous measurements since 1969. A newly published report highlights results of over 50 years of monitoring and identifies important data needed to use those measurements to the best we can.
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Picture by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.
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Full Zeppelin PhD defended in 2025
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A "Zeppelin-only" PhD has been defended in 2025 by Dominic Heslin-Rees, Stockholm University. All the research in his thesis was based on data collected on Zeppelin mountain and contributes to our understanding of aerosol variability in the Arctic. Congratulations on this achievement!
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New structure of Atmosphere Flagship
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During the atmosphere flagship meeting in Oslo, it was decided to change the structure of the flagship. New working groups were formed, in which scientists work together on related topics. See the webpage of the atmosphere flagship for updated information:
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Record retreat of Kronebreen and 2025's glacier monitoring
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A new article shares insights from this autumn’s glacier mass balance fieldwork by researchers from the Norwegian Polar Institute, including preliminary data on 2025’s glacier retreat and melt.
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Kongsfjorden flagship in Oslo
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A two-day flagship meeting was organized in Oslo. With the ending of the International Kongsfjorden Year this past August, there was plenty to discuss about and report on. Read more to learn about the flagship and its activities.
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Terrestrial ecosystems flagship
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After the terrestrial flagship had been inactive since a few years, Olga Gavrichkova and Angelina Lo Giudice took the initiative to activate the flagship again and organized a meeting in Oslo before the Svalbard Science Conference. A big thank you for this important step! Read more about the terrestrial flagship here.
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News from NySMAC
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The Ny-Ålesund Science Managers Committee (NySMAC) convened its 63rd meeting immediately following the SSC gathering. The Research Council of Norway hosted the event at its offices in Lysaker. This was the first in-person-only meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to a strong turnout: most of NySMAC’s 18 members and four observers were present in Oslo.
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As usual, the core of the meeting focused on information sharing among members, observers, NySMAC working groups, and the four Ny-Ålesund flagship programs. In addition, the agenda included discussions on several key topics:
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- New regulations on field safety in Svalbard
- A new overview of long-term time series in Ny-Ålesund
- Updates on the newly established Svalbard Science Office
- Kings Bay’s updated signage plan for Ny-Ålesund
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NySMAC also began work on renewing its strategic plan for the next five years.
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Events
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SIOS Polar Night Week
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The Polar Night Week is an arena for exchange, reflection and planning of future activities.
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This annual meeting brings the SIOS community together for science seminars, working group meetings and plenary discussions.
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Arctic Frontiers
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Arctic Frontiers is a catalyst for decision-making and network building by mobilizing key voices of science, policy, business, and local Arctic communities, to rapidly turn knowledge into actions. At Arctic Frontiers 2026: Turn of the Tide, there will be seven science themes. These represent the latest developments in Arctic research and span the physical and social sciences, as well as technological developments and innovative methods.
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Introduction Webinars to Ny-Ålesund Research Station
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Two introduction seminars about Ny-Ålesund Research Station are scheduled - one on the 22nd of January, from 08:30 - 10:00 CET, the second one on the 15th of April, from 09:00 - 10:30 CET. This seminar is primarily designed for new researchers to familiarize them with Ny-Ålesund, its research facilities, and practical preparations for their stay. Experienced researchers are also welcome to join if they wish to refresh their knowledge or stay updated on recent developments.
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