Explore the Arctic and Antarctic in an interdisciplinary environment
The School of Excellence in Arctic and Antarctic Learning addresses the complex challenges of the polar regions with collective expertise across subject boundaries. Joint doctoral courses and projects provide a broad understanding of the natural science, ethical, geopolitical, and societal issues of the polar regions. On this page, you can read more about the structure of the graduate research school, course offerings, and find current doctoral announcements.
At the interface between natural sciences, technology, and social sciences
Five partner universities of the research school contribute to an interdisciplinary next-generation research environment.
The University of Gothenburg brings leading international expertise in polar oceanography, ecology, and advanced research infrastructures that have led to groundbreaking science. Uppsala University's experience in polar research spans several decades and includes cutting-edge research in glaciology, hydrology, geology, and climate modeling. Chalmers University of Technology develops and applies remote sensing methods to study everything from molecular processes in clouds to global environmental changes. It also brings pioneering expertise in AI, sensor technology, and research related to maritime transport. KTH Royal Institute of Technology's strong interdisciplinary research environment complements the research school with social science and humanities perspectives on geopolitics, environmental governance, science diplomacy, and polar history. Together with Mid Sweden University's polar research on sustainable tourism, indigenous issues, polar law, and unique subarctic field environments, doctoral students in the research school can work at the intersection of natural sciences, technology, and social sciences.
Course offerings and structure
The research school is national, and courses are given at the different partner universities. Key players in the research field, such as the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, are also involved in the program. A series of summer and winter schools, with the participation of national and international researchers, operational experts, and other knowledge holders, contribute to a broad and in-depth understanding of the polar regions. The initiative also strengthens Swedish students' opportunities to develop long-term international collaborations.
Some courses are compulsory, while others and electives. There are a number of elective courses that can also be applied for by doctoral students outside the research school.
PhD position announcements
Vacant doctoral positions within the School of Excellence in Arctic and Antarctic Learning will be posted here shortly.