This autumn, M2 doctoral student Tarun Kadri Sathiyan will take part in an international research expedition to eastern Greenland aboard the research vessel R/V Skagerak. Out of 117 applicants to the popular early-career research programme, only five were selected – and Tarun was one of them.
“I was genuinely surprised when I got the news. I had not expected to be accepted, but I’m very happy about the opportunity,” he says.
The expedition is part of an Early Career Research Programme organised by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and the University of Gothenburg. The aim is to give early-career researchers hands-on experience with Arctic fieldwork, marine sampling, and life and work aboard a research vessel.
Over ten days in August, the participants will work together on site in eastern Greenland – around eight of those days at sea.
Technology for the future of ocean observation
Tarun’s research focuses on developing robust, self-sustaining, in-situ sensor platforms that can collect offshore data over long periods without human intervention – so-called “deploy and forget” systems. This type of technology has great potential to improve monitoring and research in marine environments, especially in hard-to-access areas like the Arctic.
“I’m working on solutions that enable continuous and systematic offshore data collection, even under harsh conditions. To design systems that really work in practice, I need to understand how marine scientists operate, what tools they use, and what kind of data they need,” he says.
During the expedition, Tarun will gain insight into the entire process – from sampling and onboard data handling on how the data is analysed and used in research. That kind of real-world context is hard to replicate in a lab.
“Being part of an international expedition gives me a completely different perspective on research needs and helps make my work as an engineer more relevant and grounded.”
Interdisciplinary value
With a background in automotive engineering, Tarun stands out slightly among the participants – but he also sees that as a strength.
“I’m not entirely sure why they selected someone with a background in automotive engineering although my doctoral studies is more relevant to this expedition. However, I strongly believe my technical perspective can contribute to their work. I’m really looking forward to exchanging ideas with researchers from different disciplines and regions,” he says.
The fact that the programme is fully funded made it possible for him to take part. Right now, preparations are in full swing – from medical screening and safety briefings to booking flights and figuring out what to pack.
“I’m highly motivated to make the most of this opportunity. There’s a lot to prepare, but I’m also very excited!”
- Doctoral Student, Vehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences