Photo: Sebastien Descamps (NPI)
Key institutions and forums for Ny-Ålesund research
All researchers and research institutions with projects in Ny-Ålesund have a responsibility to coordinate their activities with those of other institutions on site. Some institutions and forums have special responsibilities for coordinating activities, managing operations and promoting cooperation.
The Norwegian Polar Institute
The Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) performs Norway’s host role in Ny-Ålesund, and is the point of contact for scientific research and associated activities.
NPI has the overall on-site responsibility for ensuring coordination, and chairs the weekly meeting between representatives from the organisations working at the station.
Kings Bay
Kings Bay AS’ main task is to provide the infrastructure necessary to conduct research and environmental monitoring at Ny-Ålesund Research Station. The company operates the port and airport, and provides board, lodging and other logistics services to the research community.
Kings Bay AS owns the land, and is responsible for safeguarding cultural heritage sites on the property.
NySMAC
Ny-Ålesund Science Managers’ Committee (NySMAC) is a forum established to enhance cooperation and coordination among researchers, research institutions and research activities in Ny-Ålesund.
NySMAC includes representatives from all parties with major vested interests in Ny-Ålesund, and currently consists of 18 member institutions (listed below), and 4 observers.
While the institutions presented above are key actors in Ny-Ålesund in that they have an ongoing, long-term presence, they are by no means the only institutions engaged in projects. A complete list of Ny-Ålesund projects (past and current) is provided in the Research in Svalbard database, which is maintained by the Research Council of Norway.
Did you find what you were looking for?
