The NT Faculty has a strong polar research portfolio, and we operate and develop critical infrastructure, including ocean observatories and autonomous platforms such as gliders, ROV and AUVs. Together with the Nansen Centre (NERSC), the NT Faculty hosted the meeting “The Changing Arctic: Closing Knowledge Gaps for Europe’s Future” in Brussels on Tuesday this week. The aim was to bring together policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to focus on the rapidly changing Arctic and the new challenges it presents for Europe. As an introduction to two different panel discussions – “Research Gaps in the Arctic» and “Arctic Infrastructure, Capacity and Strategic Autonomy” we had short presentations from some of our researchers. The seminar gathered around 60 people.
On Thursday, June 4, the Centre for Deep Sea Research at the Department of Earth Science, brought together colleagues, partners and guests in Vågen to officially name our new AUV, UNN 6000, on board the FF Kronprins Haakon. Unn is one of Ægir’s daughters in Norse mythology, and the Old Norse name Unnr means wave or sea. Participants were given a more in‑depth introduction to our cutting‑edge infrastructure, including HUGIN Superior, the upgraded ROV Ægir 6000, and the USV PASO. The event marks an important addition to our research infrastructure and a step forward for UiB’s deep-sea exploration efforts.
Gunn Mangerud