Developing research and education collaboration across the largest climatic gradient in the Arctic between Svalbard and Northern Greenland

It is unique and important to be able to study the entire breath of the largest climatic gradient in the Arctic from cold Northern Greenland to warm Svalbard. So far, this has not been possible due mainly to logistical challenges and the remoteness of the northern Greenlandic area. With the newly established Villum Research Station at St. Nord (81N) it has become possible to start planning the scientific and logistical use of this gradient. To initiate the scientific use, both for research and education, of this largest climatic Arctic gradient ending in Svalbard, we apply for arranging a scientific international workshop in late spring 2017 with participation from the workshop partners, and also to announce it openly so that any other interested scientists can attend at his/her own cost. The overarching aim of the workshop will be to develop specifically research and education collaboration with bio- and geosciences across this gradient, in which upcoming international project proposals may be established by the workshop partners. In particular, potential use of the new Villum Research Station at St. Nord will be discussed, as the connection to this station is from Svalbard only 2-hour small plane flying time and the normal access for scientists is from Svalbard.