Two early-career researchers embark on Arctic scientific expedition

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, in collaboration with the Istituto Idrografico della Marina, has announced a call for applications for the High North24 campaign, running from July 13 to August 10, 2024. Two early-career scientists, studying in Italy and Sweden, have been selected to join the campaign aboard the Istituto Idrografico della Marina's vessel. 

• Florian Heinze, an M.Sc. student in Geological Sciences at Stockholm University specializing in Marine Geosciences, plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Marine Geophysics and Bathymetric Seafloor Mapping. Participating in the High North24 campaign provides him with a valuable opportunity to apply and expand his knowledge and fieldwork experience, aligning with his career aspirations. 
• Matteo Monzali, a Ph.D. candidate in the Physics of the Earth System at the University of Milano-Bicocca, focuses his research on snow and ice remote sensing. The campaign offers him a unique chance to pursue his passion for polar regions and high-latitude environments, immersing himself in the rich natural and scientific setting of the Arctic while contributing to significant research. 

The High North24 campaign builds on the Italian Navy's previous Arctic campaigns, aiming to consolidate and develop scientific research results, particularly regarding climate change in key areas. This campaign seeks to enhance knowledge of the environment and its evolution, while ensuring maritime safety, free trade, and the sustainable use of maritime resources. 

The two young researchers, supported by the Prince Albert II Foundation, embarked on the R/V Alliance last week. The High North24 campaign integrates projects and efforts from various organizations already active in polar regions, sharing their needs and broadening their operational horizons. Supplementing geophysical imagery with data collected at sea will provide valuable insights across multiple fields, including climate change. During the campaign, Heinze and Monzali will be fully integrated into the life of researchers and surveyors, assisting in hydrography and seabed mapping activities. 

This opportunity arises from a partnership between the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation's Polar Initiative and the IstitutoIdrografico della Marina. The Polar Initiative aims to play a proactive role in conserving polar regions, working closely with a wide network of partners. Its actions focus on four key areas: science, policy, capacity building, and conservation action. This partnership underscores the initiative's commitment to supporting early-career researchers, fostering capacity building, and developing the future of polar science, providing young scientists with opportunities to gain experience and become influential members of the polar research community.