Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science Ulla Tørnæs presents a new strategy on Arctic research and education. DTU is pleased that this area will be given further attention, and looks forward to contributing to the implementation of the strategy.
The new strategy was launched at this year’s polar research conference currently held at DTU, co-hosted by the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation.
'The Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science’s strategy for Arctic research and education' was presented by Ulla Tørnæs.
“We are pleased that the new strategy increases the focus on the Arctic. It supports the large number of DTU activities in the Arctic region and strengthens our research, education, and development of new technologies to benefit society to an even greater extent,” says Niels Andersen, Head of DTU’s Center for Polar Activities, Polar DTU.
For many years, DTU has been involved in a range of activities in Greenland, including surveying and monitoring work for the Danish and Greenland authorities and research in, for example, climate change, marine resources, and Arctic technology. Among other things, the University researchers have developed technologies that support airport construction in Greenland, sustainable fishing, and the improvement of satellite navigation adapted to Arctic conditions. Together with the Greenland self-government authorities, DTU is furthermore responsible for a study programme in Arctic Technology, which takes place both at DTU and in Greenland.
“What happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic. It affects all of us. By launching Denmark’s first Arctic education and research policy strategy, the government intends to make Denmark one of the world’s leading nations in Arctic research and education. We will work to attract researchers, knowledge, and investments to the Danish Realm, says Ulla Tørnæs, Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science.
Drones, satellites, and other new polar research platforms
This year, the polar research conference focuses on the new strategic framework and technological possibilities. Earlier this year, Denmark launched new space and drone strategies, and together with the new Arctic research strategy, it would be only natural to focus on ways for the new framework and technological platforms to support cross-disciplinary polar research.
“A number of research projects are presented at the conference, for example a DTU project on new advanced drone technology to be used for future surveying and monitoring work in the harsh Arctic conditions, but also in connection with research projects and projects with the participation of students on the Arctic study programmes. Furthermore, the recommendations in DTU’s report ‘Satellites and drones in the Arctic—multi-use of a space-based infrastructure’ on satellites and drones providing the nucleus of a common infrastructure for civil society and Defense Command in the Arctic will be discussed,” says Niels Andersen.