The University of Graz is in the final phase of constructing its research station in East Greenland, bringing state-of-the-art facilities for up to 26 scientists to one of the world’s most remote locations. The Sermilik Research Station will soon serve as a hub for polar research and student training, offering unique opportunities for interdisciplinary studies.
Despite the Arctic’s challenging conditions, a team of researchers and craftsmen has been working intensively to finish technical installations, including photovoltaic panels, storage batteries, and emergency diesel generators. The station, largely solar-powered, has been in test operation for two years and has already yielded discoveries such as an ancient Greenlandic settlement and a new lichen species.
“Our aim is to create a lasting scientific and social impact in the region,” said Rector Peter Riedler. The university has hired local staff and supports projects benefiting East Greenland communities, ensuring research is conducted as a partnership rather than a one-sided endeavor.
The station’s location south of the Arctic Circle requires immense logistical effort, with equipment shipped in nine containers from Styria to Tasiilaq and then transported by helicopter or boat amid iceberg-dense waters.
The facility will host researchers across diverse fields—biology, climate science, linguistics, and more—while also serving as a training ground for junior scientists. Students from FH Joanneum will be the first to visit once construction is complete, followed by opportunities for University of Graz students to participate in research excursions or thesis projects.
“This station makes us Austria’s gateway to Arctic research,” Riedler noted, emphasizing the integration of sustainability and community engagement in all initiatives.
Source: University of Graz
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