Exploring the Arctic aboard R/V Skagerak
Some memories last a lifetime. Greenland’s rugged cliffs and icy landscapes have been etched into Tarun Kadri Sathiyan’s mind – even now that he has returned to Sweden.
“Seeing the vast, untouched Greenlandic fjords for the very first time is something that stays with you. The scale and silence of the Arctic environment leave a deep impression,” he says.
Tarun Kadri Sathiyan is a doctoral student in Vehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems at the Chalmers University of Technology, and has long held a strong interest in polar research.
Earlier this year, he was both thrilled and surprised to learn that he had been selected to join an expedition to Greenland aboard the University of Gothenburg’s large research vessel, R/V Skagerak.
Young researchers to the Arctic
In total, 117 people from various countries applied to take part in the nine-day expedition – making competition for the few available places very tough.
The expedition was organised by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, the British Antarctic Survey, and the University of Gothenburg.
The aim of allowing young researchers from different disciplines to take part in an advanced expedition in such a demanding environment was to give them hands-on experience of conducting marine research in the Arctic.
Research in motion
On 12 August, R/V Skagerak departed from Reykjavik and set course for the east coast of Greenland.
“Seeing the vast, untouched Greenlandic fjords for the very first time is something that stays with you. The scale and silence of the Arctic environment leave a deep impression,” says Tarun Kadri Sathiyan.
For the young researchers on board, the days were filled with intense work from the start. The team deployed a mooring for long-term data collection, launched profiling floats, carried out CTD sampling, and collected plankton samples.
Each task required careful coordination between oceanographers, glaciologists, climate researchers, marine biologists, and the ship’s crew.
No single discipline can do this alone
“It takes a tremendous amount of teamwork to collect reliable data in such a remote and unpredictable environment. No single discipline can do this alone,” says Tarun Kadri Sathiyan.
The Early Career Research (ECR) expedition, organised by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, the British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council and the University of Gothenburg, aimed to give young researchers practical, hands-on experience of Arctic fieldwork.
For Tarun, the cruise was a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists and crew, gaining invaluable insight into the realities of conducting research in one of the world’s most challenging and remote environments.
Science in motion
The days on board were intense. The team deployed a mooring to collect long-term ocean data, launched profiling floats, carried out CTD casts, and collected samples using plankton nets. Each task requirering close coordination between oceanographers, glaciologists, climate scientists, marine biologists, and the ship’s crew.
“I’m struck by how much collaboration goes into collecting reliable data in such a remote and unpredictable environment. No single discipline can do it alone,” says Tarun Kadri Sathiyan.
For Tarun, whose PhD research focuses on developing autonomous marine systems, the expedition has offered vital first-hand experience.
“I’ve read about the logistical and technical challenges of Arctic fieldwork, but experiencing them directly – the rapidly changing weather, limited time at each station, and the precision needed – makes one realise how much resilience and adaptability are required,” he says.
Moments of tension and teamwork
One of the most dramatic moments came during the mooring deployment. Heavy fog surrounding the ship, the sea swelling, and icebergs drifting dangerously close.
“Some of us are on the bridge, spotting ice, while others are on the aft deck carefully deploying equipment,” Tarun recalls. “The whole operation demands absolute focus and trust. It’s tense, exhilarating – and incredibly rewarding.”
Life onboard was intense. The diverse group quickly buildt a strong sense of community, sharing knowledge and supporting one another through long shifts and unpredictable conditions.
Heavy fog surrounding the ship, the sea swelling, and icebergs drifting dangerously close
“Working closely with researchers from different disciplines is one of the most valuable parts of the expedition. It is a reminder that polar research is not just about data, it’s about people working together to drive change,” says Tarun Kadri Sathiyan.
R/V Skagerak – a modern research platform
R/V Skagerak itself played a vital role in the expedition. With advanced technology and well-equipped laboratories, the vessel enables safe, efficient research in a harsh environment.
“Working on board R/V Skagerak was a privilege,” Tarun says. Having access to such a modern and well-equipped vessel allowed us to collect high-quality data efficiently and learn new techniques. It gave me confidence as a young researcher, knowing that I could contribute meaningfully to a professional research environment.”
From the Arctic, back to the lab
For Tarun, the expedition to Greenland was more than just a research trip – it was a journey of discovery, collaboration, and inspiration.
“I will always remember the mix of breathtaking nature, intense teamwork, and the sense that we were contributing to something bigger,” he says.
“It was an incredible experience – and just the beginning of what I hope will be a lifelong contribution to polar research.”
