Early-career researchers can learn about the rapid environmental, ecological and social changes happening in the Arctic this summer on the beautiful Åland Islands in Finland, while earning 5 ECTS points.  Credit: Åbo Akademi University

Credit: Google Maps

Who? 

The summer school is open to early-career researchers (i.e., PhD students and postdoctoral scientists) who work on aspects of the Arctic and/or wish to expand and improve their knowledge and skills.

What?

After completing the course, you will be able to:

• Describe the inherent features of Arctic marine ecosystems and their biodiversity, including changes over time and likely future trajectories,
• Explain common practices and uncertainties with scientific data and models used to assess tipping points in Arctic ecosystems,
  
• Describe the theory and applications of trait based models and the hierarchical modeling of species communities in addressing drivers and impacts of changes in Arctic marine biodiversity,
  
• Describe consequences of a changing Arctic Ocean for indigenous communities, local fisheries, and policy makers,
  
• Increase awareness about ongoing changes in the Arctic environment and communicate Arctic science through (i) photography, videography, and different multimedia options, as well as through ii) writing for a non-specialized audience (public & policy makers)
• Be prepared to communicate with media (e.g., journalist) about Arctic science and research

When?

June 6th-17th 2022. The application deadline is April 30th 2022. 

Where?

The summer school will be held at Husö Biological Station (Åbo Akademi University, FI) on the beautiful Åland Islands in the Baltic Sea.

Why? 

In this summer school, students will learn about the rapid environmental, ecological and social changes happening in the Arctic. The course provides an overview of regime shifts in Arctic marine ecosystems and focuses on approaches to analyze and identify tipping points in e.g., structure and functioning of pelagic and benthic ecosystem compartments, as well as the links between these. The course covers different modeling approaches, with hands-on exercises in trait-based modeling and hierarchical modeling of species communities (HMSC) to showcase the importance of mathematical descriptions in understanding and prediction of tipping points. The participants will also be introduced to the challenges facing fisheries and policy makers in the Arctic region, regarding how climate and biodiversity tipping points influence the resilience of social-ecological systems. The course will include a science communication focus, including practical multimedia training, interview skills, and writing to a policy makers audience.

For more photos of the location, please see our Instagram feed. 

How to get there? 

From Sweden: 

• Flights to Stockholm, then ferry to Mariehamn by Viking Line or Tallink Silja Line – departs twice a day: morning/evening
• Recommend to stay at hotel, take morning ferry Tuesday 7.6. to Mariehamn
• Departure in the afternoon from Mariehamn 17.6., stay at hotel and fly out next day

From Finland: Flights to Helsinki or Turku, then ferry from either Helsinki or Turku to Mariehamn (same as above)