In 2019, Arctic Biology Department received a grant of 1,350,000 NOK from the Olav Thon Foundation to establish a high-Arctic, interdisciplinary field laboratory for research and teaching in Bjørndalen, also called BIG (Bjørndalen Integrated Gradient).
Since then, the project has been developed and Bjørndalen has become an important strategic area for the department when it comes to the coordination of research and education activity aiming to better understand individual components and relationships within an ecosystem. The funding has strengthened the ongoing research activity with new scientific equipment for data collection along with the support of a field technician, and systems for securing and sharing of data have been developed through NIRD. Through the BIG initiative, students have also been able to participate actively in ongoing research projects through internships and courses enhancing their learning experiences with authentic research opportunities.
Now new funding from Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund (400k NOK) further supports outreach of the research activity to the local community and tourists. The plan, in dialog with Lokalstyre and Arctic Nature Guides, includes installing information signs in areas with ongoing research activity, as well as organizing more interactive science tours and lectures for the public in general.
You can read more about the plans from the initiative takers here : Larissa Beumer and Samantha P. Dwinnell secured funds for their projects – UNIS
And here is more information about the project Bjørndalen Integrated Gradients (BIG) – UNIS.