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– HarSval –
A bilateral initiative for harmonisation of the Svalbard cooperation
Scientific collaboration between Poland and Norway
in Svalbard for a sustainable future
The project was initiated by the Polish Polar Consortium, with the involvement of 11 partners from Poland and 14 partners from Norway. The initiative is led by Dr. Dariusz Ignatiuk from the University of Silesia (Centre for Polar Studies).
The project focuses on strengthening bilateral relations between Norway and Poland, expanding the network of partners and the scope of existing research activities, as well as facilitating the transfer of knowledge, technology, experience, and best practices.
- Integration of the Polish polar research community and strengthening bilateral relations with Norway.
- Expansion of research scope and engagement of a broader group of partners.
- Enhancement of competencies and skills.
- Internationalization and increased visibility of Polish polar research.
The initiative will be implemented over 12 months, from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025.
The project budget is €1,580,000 (PLN 6,891,644.00).
Funding is guaranteed by the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014–2021.
www.eeagrants.org
- 50.85% of funding is provided by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014–2021.
- 49.15% of funding is provided by the EEA Financial Mechanism 2014–2021.
More information about HarSval is available at: www.harsval.eu.
Contract No. UMO-2023/43/7/ST10/00001 to predefined bilateral initiative No. 2023/43/7/ST10/00001
RIS (SVALBARD) 12399
Main Areas of Activity (Work Packages)
WP1. Activities for modernizing and standardizing the Svalbard monitoring system in areas prioritized by the Polish and Norwegian polar communities
Activity 1.1. WetSnowEx:
- A cross-disciplinary study on snow ecosystems during the melting period in Svalbard.*
- Gaining insights into a wide spectrum of information about snow properties and processes occurring in the snow cover from its maximum accumulation to the end of the melting period.
Activity 1.2. Joint pilot studies on the impact of Arctic climate change on the marine and coastal environment in northern and eastern key areas of Svalbard and the paleogeographical and thermal evolution of Svalbard:
Task 1.2.1. Coastal Zone Changes:
- Investigating coastal hazards and their impact on the stability of coastal systems and shoreline pollution along new coastal zones emerging due to ice melting along the eastern Svalbard coast, including eastern Spitsbergen, Barentsøya, and Edgeøya.
Task 1.2.2. Paleogeographical Studies:
- Paleogeography, tectonics, and magmatism of Eastern Svalbard—part of the High Arctic Large Igneous Province (HALIP).
- A new multidisciplinary approach: integrated paleomagnetic, structural, geochronological, and geochemical studies.
Task 1.2.3. Oceanic Changes:
- Observing and studying changes in the flow of Atlantic water north of Svalbard to better understand the advancing Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean and ocean-ice interactions.
WP2. Activities for developing competencies and skills, internationalization, and increasing the visibility of the Polish polar community through Polish-Norwegian collaboration
Activity 2.1. The School of Polar Hydrology:
- Hydrologists working in Svalbard have already collaborated on publishing a chapter in the SESS report, recommending improved hydrological research in the region.
- The Polar Hydrology School will be the first polar gathering of hydrologists, including limnologists, to develop best practices for collecting, sharing, and processing hydrological data, Arctic modeling, and identifying knowledge gaps.
- The school will be held in Poland at the end of 2024, resulting in a set of recommendations for water research in Svalbard.
Activity 2.2. Multidimensional support program for early-career researchers based on Polish-Norwegian scientific and educational potential:
- Open to Ph.D. candidates and undergraduate/master's students from Poland and Norway, aiming to stimulate bilateral scientific and educational collaboration.
- A competitive funding mechanism will be provided for this group based on project priorities.
Activity 2.3. Two-way mobility initiative for experienced researchers:
- Strengthening scientist mobility between Polish and Norwegian institutions.
- Visits to Norwegian partners (recommended minimum stay: two weeks) to solidify collaborations and foster new networks and projects.
WP3. FAIR Data and Open Science Activities
- Designing and developing core components for the Central Geospatial Services Server for the Polish Polar Data Base.
- Supporting data sharing by trained data stewards and providing ongoing support to researchers for FAIR-compliant data sharing through online and in-person meetings.
- Organizing workshops and training for Polish researchers, conducted by Norwegian partners with established expertise in data management.
WP4. Popularization, Communication, and Management Activities
- Workshops:
- Kick-off meeting (Katowice, April 2024).
- Mid-term meeting (Oslo, Fall 2024).
- Summary meeting (SIOS Polar Night Week, January 2025).
- Dissemination of scientific and traditional knowledge to the general public.
- Evidence-based decision-making foundations in Poland and Norway.
- Enhancing science-policy communication and fostering interdisciplinary research networks.
UMCS Staff Involved in the Project:
Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences:
- Dr. Eng. Sara Lehmann-Konera (UMCS lead) – tasks: WP1.1 WetSnowEx: : A cross-disciplinary study on snow ecosystems durin the melting period in Svalbard and WP2.1 The School of Polar Hydrology.
- Dr. Magdalena Suchora (deputy UMCS lead) – tasks: WP1.1 WetSnowEx : A cross-disciplinary study on snow ecosystems durin the melting period in Svalbard and WP2.1 The School of Polar Hydrology.
- Dr. Katarzyna Burdzy – task: WP1.1 WetSnowEx: : A cross-disciplinary study on snow ecosystems durin the melting period in Svalbard
- Dr. Katarzyna Mięsiak-Wójcik – task: WP1.1 WetSnowEx: : A cross-disciplinary study on snow ecosystems durin the melting period in Svalbard
- Dr. Monika Szkarłat – responsible for WP4 activities: Scientists as knowledge brokers and improving science management as a synergy effect of Polish-Norwegian collaboration.
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