July 4, 2026

PathoPast- exploring the microbial past of an Antarctic penguin colony POLARIN has published a new Ambassador visual story from the field titled “PathoPast- exploring the microbial past of an Antarctic penguin colony” written by Alex Williams, Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong and POLARIN Ambassador for the PathoPast project.   The PathoPast project investigates the long-term microbial history of Antarctic penguin colonies by analyzing ancient lake sediments enriched with preserved penguin guano. Because the cold Antarctic environment helps preserve microbial genetic material in lake sediments and penguin guano, researchers can use these preserved records to investigate the microbial history of ancient penguin colonies. A team of three scientists traveled to King George Island, Antarctica, where they spent three weeks collecting lake sediment cores, soil, water, and fresh penguin fecal samples from active colonies while following strict contamination prevention procedures.   With his photographs and reflections, Alex showcase the scientific value, the physical challenges, and beauty of conducting research in Antarctica. Harsh weather, difficult terrain, and partially frozen lakes complicated fieldwork, but the team successfully collected sediment cores from both a former penguin colony site and a control lake with no known penguin activity. Along the way, they observed Antarctic wildlife, including gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins, elephant seals, skuas, giant petrels, and towering icebergs, emphasizing the region’s unique ecosystem. The collected samples will help researchers better understand how Antarctic microbial communities and pathogens have changed over thousands of years, providing valuable insights into wildlife health and environmental change.   Read Alex’s visual story from the field to learn more about the science and experiences behind the PathoPast project.   PathoPast was one of the projects successfully selected through POLARIN’s first call for Transnational Access to Polar Research Infrastructures.

Into the White: A Scientist’s Journey to the Antarctic Ice Sheet POLARIN has published a new Ambassador blog titled “Into the White: A Scientist’s Journey to the Antarctic Ice Sheet” written by Daan Van den Broek, PhD Researcher in Atmospheric Sciences at Finnish Meteorological Institute and POLARIN Ambassador, “WhiteIce” project.     What does it take to conduct climate research in one of the most remote places on Earth? In his blog, Daan shares a first-hand account of his participation in the POLARIN-funded WhiteIce expedition to Antarctica.   The blog follows Daan’s journey from joining the expedition team and preparing for months of fieldwork to carrying out scientific measurements on the Nansen Ice Sheet near the Mario Zucchelli Station. The WhiteIce project investigates the “surface scattering layer,” or “white ice”, a bright layer that forms on melting ice surfaces and influences how much sunlight is reflected back into space. By collecting weather, radiation and drone observations, the research aims to improve climate models and strengthen projections of future climate change.   Alongside the science, Daan reflects on the realities of polar fieldwork, from complex logistics and changing weather conditions to the breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica. His story highlights both the challenges and the rewards of conducting research in extreme environments, demonstrating how international collaboration, careful preparation and adaptability are essential for successful polar science.   Read Daan’s full blog to discover the people, science and experiences behind the White Ice project.   WhiteIce was one of the projects successfully selected through POLARIN’s first call for Transnational Access to Polar Research Infrastructures.

Arctic Carbon Cycling: Linking terrestrial and aquatic systems (ARC-LINK) POLARIN has published a new Ambassador visual story titled Arctic Carbon Cycling: Linking terrestrial and aquatic systems (ARC-LINK) developed by Cheristy Jones, POLARIN Ambassador, PhD Candidate, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New Hampshire.     For the ARC-LINK project, Cheristy travelled from Boston, USA to Zackenberg, Greenland to study how carbon and nutrients move through permafrost catchments, compare glacial and non-glacial systems at high spatial resolution and how aquatic carbon connects to CO₂ and CH₄ emissions. Through her photographs and reflections, Cheristy travels us to Greenland to witness permafrost thaw, Arctic flora and fauna.   Explore Cheristy’s visual story to learn more.   ARC-LINK was one of the projects successfully selected through POLARIN’s first call for Transnational Access to Polar Research Infrastructures.