science
New Norwegian Strategy for Ny-Ålesund Research Station:
Sets Language Requirements for Researchers
Everyone conducting research in Ny-Ålesund must have sufficient language skills in Norwegian or English, the Norwegian government requires in a new strategy. It also sets requirements for the labelling of equipment.
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"In recent years, climate change, increased activity in Svalbard and changes in the security policy situation have made it necessary to further develop the strategic framework for research activities," says Norway's Minister of Research and Higher Education Eileen Fugelsnes (Labor) in a press release.
The new strategy defines the conditions, framework and ambitions for research activities in Ny-Ålesund, and clarifies which requirements must be met to gain access to the research station.
A new requirement is that researchers and other personnel must have sufficient proficiency in English or Norwegian to communicate with Kings Bay AS, which owns most of the buildings in Ny-Ålesund, and the Norwegian Polar Institute, which leads the research station. If the requirement is not met, Kings Bay may decline to grant accommodation and board, for safety and emergency preparedness reasons.
Approval mechanisms are also being introduced for the installation of new research infrastructure and instrumentation, requiring field instruments to be labelled with the institution and project code to provide an overview of use and ownership.
"The updated strategy ensures that the research station is adapted to today's research policy, environmental and security policy framework. Clearer requirements for language skills and field instruments are also important for preparedness in the Arctic," Fugelsnes maintains.
Leading role to be strengthened
According to the government, the strategy will also strengthen Ny-Ålesund's role as a leading research station in the Arctic.
"Ny-Ålesund and Svalbard is a unique area for climate and environmental research. This knowledge is important for the whole world. Better coordination and sharing of data and knowledge are absolutely crucial," says the minister, continuing:
"Norway will continue to facilitate safe, high-quality research collaboration and be a leading country in academic freedom and open research."
The Norwegian Polar Institute is responsible for implementing the strategy, which can be read in full here. This work must be viewed in relation to the Svalbard Research Office, which opened in March, and its implementation of the research strategy for Svalbard.
