Polish Polar Station Hornsund
Polish Polar Station Hornsund
The research station is operated by the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences.
The station focuses on climate, glaciology, monitoring of geophysical fields (seismology, geomagnetism, atmospheric electricity), permafrost and geomorphic processes. Monitoring programmes aiming at improving the understanding of the functioning of Arctic ecosystems are also carried out in Hornsund.
Contribution to POLARIN key research challenges:3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Contact:Katrzyna Matysiak: kmatysiak[at]igf.edu.pl
Website
https://hornsund.igf.edu.pl/index.php/en/about-station/
https://www.interact-gis.org/Home/Station/16
Location
The station is located on the shore of the Hornsund fjord in the southern part of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. The station lies within the boundaries of the South Spitsbergen National Park. Its location makes it the northernmost year-round Polish research infrastructure.
There are no settlements located in the near vicinity of the station, which in general is only accessible for research purposes. Longyearbyen, the administrative center and the largest settlement of Svalbard, is situated approximately 140 km north of the station.
Facilities
The station offers a range of well-equipped laboratories, including chemistry, biology, oceanography, seismology, meteorology, atmospheric physics and Earth magnetism labs. The facilities also include satellite communication as well as various scientific equipment such as liquid chromatography, differential GPS, geodetic surveying equipment and an automatic weather station.
Accommodation, washing, and cooking facilities are available for 20 visitors (in addition to the permanent staff of 10 persons) in the same building. There is also a well-equipped workshop, a boat house, and storage for instruments and field equipment. The station lounge has a multimedia projector, white screen, and a 60” HD LCD TV and is used for scientific seminars and conferences for up to 20-30 participants.
Services offered
The station is a research platform offering access to accommodation and research facilities. Scientists can use 7 multi-person bedrooms and modern laboratories. Hornsund also offers logistic facilities (workshop, warehouse, snowmobiles, boats, etc.) and laboratories that allow to develop projects in various fields of research throughout the year.
What is included in the Access
Unit of access: User/day
Modalities of access offered: In-person access, remote access
The access includes full board and accommodation, access to laboratories and communication equipment. The typical duration of work is 14 days. Users will be integrated into the scheduling of the infrastructure. Users will not depend on regular research activity of the infrastructure.
Availability for access in the 2024 call
In-person access: 1st May-30th September 2025
Remote Access: 15th June-31st August 2025
Time frame for access preparations
All activities of the RI user must be registered in the Research in Svalbard (RiS) database.
Travel to and fieldwork in the Hornsund area require obtaining relevant permissions from the Governor of Svalbard’s Office.
Detailed information about the applicable regulations for persons conducting research activity in Svalbard can be found on the Governor’s of Svalbard website. All required permits must be obtained prior to arrival to the Station.
Permits, licenses and training
Any person travelling outside settlement areas shall be equipped with appropriate means of personal protection, including firearms, which might be used to frighten off polar bears.
While using the infrastructure of the Hornsund Polish Polar Station, every group leaving the premises of the Station must carry at least two firearms and a flare gun. The means of personal protection against polar bears are handed over upon presentation of a permit to rent firearms issued by/accepted by the Governor of Svalbard. The permit must be obtained prior to arrival to the station.
Regulations on using firearms at the Hornsund Station are set out in the document “Rules and regulations regarding the use of firearms at the Polish Polar Station Hornsund” published on the Station’s website.
Medical guidelines
No medical examinations/health checks are required from the station users. Staying at the station and use of its infrastructure are at the risk and responsibility of the user or the delegating entity.
