Their Majesties visit UNIS: Strengthening ties in Arctic knowledge and community
UNIS had the honour of hosting Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja for a visit in Helenstua on Tuesday 17 June.
Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja visited UNIS on 17 June. Here with Sysselmester Lars Fause and mayor Terje Aunevik. Photo: Ragnhild Utne/UNIS
This visit is one of many made by Their Majesties, both in an official and private capacity, reflecting the close relationship the Royal Family shares with our institution. Their presence is of great value, and we are honoured to have welcomed them once again to UNIS.
The director, Jøran Moen, emphasized the high quality of our students and the strength of our educational programs. He also highlighted how students are actively involved in data collection as part of our research activities, making meaningful contributions to Arctic science. Continuously he stressed the valuable role our staff and students play within the local community, and how UNIS contributes both to maintaining a robust Norwegian presence in the Arctic and to developing Longyearbyen as a vibrant knowledge-based society. Importantly, the UNIS students represent the next generation of professionals in institutions such as the Norwegian Polar Institute, the civil service, and international research environments. They are key to achieving Norway’s ambition of being a leading Arctic research nation.
The visit featured five short, high-impact presentations delivered by a mix of students and researchers, covering topics such as:
- Ocean climate around Svalbard – by MSc Sara Edland Gjøsteen, Ragnheid Skogseth & Frank Nilsen
- Ecosystem changes in Arctic fjords – by guest master student Aourell Camille Reculeau & Janne Søreide
- Coal as a potential climate archive – by bachelor students Maren Sunde Leirvåg, Rasmus Jorde & Maria Jensen
- The thawing of permafrost – by Ph.D. candidate Knut Ivar Lindland Tveit
- The World’s Largest Aurora Chase – by Katie Herlingshaw
