Advanced Field School on Arctic Sea Ice : Tracking Changes Across Scales

April 9-18, 2025, Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, Canada

Under the leadership of the Sentinel North program of Université Laval (Quebec City, Canada) and the UAK international initiative, this advanced field school on arctic sea ice offers students a unique opportunity to engage with leading scientists and experienced professionals through a transdisciplinary, cutting-edge training program. Taking part in an actual ocean research program, participants will gain a better understanding of sea ice changes in the Canadian Arctic, from microstructures to icy landscapes, and explore their cascading impact on ecosystems, northern communities and global climates.

Hosted at the Qikiqtarjuaq Research Station (Nunavut, Canada) (67° 33′ N, 64° 01′ W), this field school provides an integrative learning experience across a wide range of disciplines including optics-photonics, Arctic marine biology and ecology, marine physics, biochemistry and remote sensing. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with community members of Qikiqtarjuaq, gaining insight into the richness of Inuit knowledge and perspectives on sea ice and the challenges northern communities face in relation to climate variability and change.

Applications are now closed. Thank you!

Who is it for?

Up to 16 international graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in natural sciences (biology, chemistry, geography, etc.) having a keen interest in the school theme will be selected.

Note: Due to the conditions of field work in the Arctic environment, all applicants should be in good physical condition.

Program
The school favors a multifaceted approach that includes lectures, discussions, and a strong hands-on component supervised by experts from various disciplines. The program will address three primary topics, focusing on different scales to study sea ice changes, and will examine the interdependence between these scales.

Micro scale: Structure of sea ice and the life it supports
- Physical and biogeochemical characteristics that make sea ice a unique ecosystem
- Biodiversity sea ice supports within itself
Meso scale: Importance of sea ice for marine biodiversity, wildlife and coastal communities
- Arctic sea ice food web: from phytoplankton to marine mammals
- Role of sea ice in the livelihoods of northern communities (impact on socio-economic development, food security, and travel safety)
Macro scale: Links between polar ocean functioning and global change
- Interactions between sea ice, ocean and atmosphere
- Role of sea ice in shaping global climate change
Fieldwork operations
A considerable portion of the school activities will be dedicated to fieldwork, as part of a research project focusing on light and nutrients in sea ice and seawater, and microalgae.
Scientific operations will 1) generate data to provide a snapshot description of the marine system surrounding Broughton Island and of microalgal primary producers and 2) contribute to the baseline data necessary to better detect effects of changes in nutrient load, possible future emergence of invasive microalgal species, and modifications of water quality.
Here is an overview of the scientific operations that the participants will experience:
- Measurements of the optical and physical properties of sea ice and overlaying snow cover
- Measurements of optical and hydrological properties of the water column
- Sampling of microalgal primary producers in sea ice and the water column: biomass, diversity, photosynthetic properties
Exchange with the Qikiqtarjuaq community
The school will also highlight the importance of Inuit knowledge and local initiatives, notably by showcasing sea ice monitoring initiatives. Additionally, activities will be organized in collaboration with the Qikiqtarjuaq community to promote the exchange of knowledge and discuss about implication of changes in sea ice for socioeconomic development and their way of living.

Preparation for the course
Taking part in a transdisciplinary training program requires preparation on the part of each participant. Thus, compulsory readings will be provided in advance and will have to be completed prior to the course.

Université Laval's new research station in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Scientific Team
Rémi Amiraux, Researcher, Takuvik Joint International Research Unit, CNRS/ Université Laval, Canada
Marcel Babin, Researcher, Takuvik Joint International Research Unit, CNRS/ Université Laval, Canada
Jens Ehn, Associate Professor, Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba
Joannie Ferland, Research Assistant, Takuvik Joint International Research Unit, CNRS/ Université Laval, Canada
Marie-Hélène Forget, Coordinator, Takuvik Joint International Research Unit, CNRS/ Université Laval, Canada
Sophie Gallais, Training program coordinator, Sentinel North, Université Laval, Canada
Maxime Geoffroy, Research Scientist, Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
C.J. Mundy, Professor in biological oceanography, Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba

Organizing Committee
- Marcel Babin, Initiator and Scientific Director
- Marie-Hélène Forget, Coordinator, Takuvik and Qikiqtarjuaq Research Station
- Sophie Gallais, Training program coordinator, Sentinel North
- Marie-France Gévry, Program manager, Sentinel North
- Børge Hamre, Professor, University of Bergen, Useful Arctic Knowledge (UAK)
- Hanne Sagen, Research Leader, Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center, Useful Arctic Knowledge (UAK)
- Stein Sandven, Senior Researcher, Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center, Useful Arctic Knowledge (UAK)
Application and selection process
Those interested in participating in the School must provide the following documents:
- Completed registration form
- Résumé (including your education, professional experience, and communications)
- Letter of recommendation from your research supervisor
Selection process
The organizing committee will evaluate applications according to the following criteria:
- Relevance of the applicant’s field of research program to the School’s topic
- The applicant's aptitude for research
- The applicant's interest and capacity for interdisciplinary teamwork
The selection process will also consider the diversity of applicants’ disciplines and backgrounds. Individuals from all geographic regions, as well as underrepresented minorities, are encouraged to apply.
This school will be offered in English. Fluency in English is required.
All participants are expected to attend the entire session.
Individuals will be notified of the final selection by January 31, 2025.
Participation fees
The registration fee for this course is $1000 (Canadian dollars).

This fee includes:
- Registration for the School
- Accommodation in Ottawa and transportation to Ottawa airport
- Flight from Ottawa to Iqaluit and Qikiqtarjuaq
- Accommodation in Iqaluit and Qikiqtarjuaq
- Dinner in Ottawa on April 9
- All meals on April 10-18 (inclusively)
- An attestation of completion from Université Laval (conditional to your participation)
The fee does not cover:
- Travel to Ottawa
- Insurance coverage (mandatory)
Payment must be received in full on February 17, 2025. Payment details will be provided to the selected candidates.

Financial support
Selected students from Université Laval can apply to Sentinel North training fund.
Selected students from the UAK initiative will have to contact Børge Hamre and Stein Sandven to obtain information on financial support offered.
A limited number of training fee waivers will also be granted based on merit and need.