For Tarun Kadri Sathiyan, PhD student researching autonomous underwater data collection systems, the expedition to Greenland was both his first encounter with the Arctic’s vast landscapes and an intensive introduction to hands-on research at sea.
“Standing on the aft deck and seeing the environment with my own eyes was completely different from reading about climate change or ocean processes. At the same time, I learned a lot from working side by side with researchers from different disciplines,” he says.
Tarun Kadri Sathiyan has returned from an international expedition aboard the research vessel R/V Skagerak. The aim was to collect data in the Polar regions pertaining to the ocean, ice, marine biology, and climate change in one of the world’s most remote environments. Being part of the research work on board gave him new perspectives on how technical systems are used in practice and the challenges of operating in extreme conditions.
One of the most memorable moments occurred when a mooring had to be deployed in thick fog, high waves, and drifting icebergs. On the bridge, researchers assisted the captain in navigating between the ice, while others on deck carefully handled the instruments.
“The entire operation required absolute focus, precision, and trust between everyone on board. It clearly demonstrated how essential interdisciplinary collaboration is in polar regions,” says Tarun Kadri Sathiyan.
Many new insights
Access to a modern research vessel made a significant difference for his own research.
“Having advanced sensors, laboratories, and instruments readily available on board gave me practical experience and showed how my work on autonomous underwater systems can complement traditional measurement methods. I now have a clearer idea of where my technology can make a real difference in Arctic data collection,” he explains.
The expedition also gave him insight into how demanding polar research can be. Rapid weather changes, limited time at each station, and precise instrument handling tested both people and equipment.
“The experience strengthens my focus on developing autonomous systems that are robust and reliable under real conditions and provide new ideas for how my research work can contribute to the future of polar research,” Tarun Kadri Sathiyan says.
Strong sense of community
The sense of community on board was just as important as the research itself. In a short time, a strong collaborative spirit developed, with knowledge and experience shared among researchers from different disciplines and countries.
“I realized how much richer the science becomes when different perspectives meet. It also strengthens my motivation to contribute long-term to ocean and climate research,” he adds.
For early-career researchers who have the opportunity to join similar expeditions, his advice is:
“Stay curious about everything. Ask questions, try new tasks, collaborate. And take in both the environment and the small moments on board. Those experiences are just as valuable as the data you collect.”