Let's talk about UNIS

The red dot is Svalbard's location 

The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) is the worlds most Northern higher education facility. Located 78º0' N (on the purple line) and 13º39' E on the red dot. 

UNIS was founded in 1993, its purpose to provide university level education in Arctic studies and produce cutting edge research in the field. 

Since its foundation UNIS has become a noticeable force for Arctic research, attracting over 500 students a year from over 40 countries! The research is split into four main categories: Biology, Geophysics, Geology, and Technology. As of 2012 a total of 941 papers were published from UNIS; a visible academic evolution can be seen as there were only 4 publications from 1994. Today the rate of research being completed is still accelerating.

Biology
This is one of the most pivotal and wide ranging subjects at UNIS. With subjects ranging from taxonomy to climate impacts on marine animals. The biology department can be considered the most successful in terms of academic output, being responsible for 35% (as of 2012) of all the published papers by UNIS.  One focus topic for the terrestrial biologists are the Svalbard reindeer, with their work being appropriately dubbed 'Svalbard reindeer project'. The project has provided insight into how large herbivores survive in extreme conditions. The project has been moved out of UNIS, however the institution still plays an important role.
More info can be found here: https://www.ntnu.edu/cbd/projects/reinclim 

Geology
60% of Svalbard archipelago is coated in glacial ice making UNIS and ideal location to study glaciers in all their majesty. There is a large selection of glacial types in Svalbard, with an extensive amount of Calving glaciers. The Calving process has been linked with the rates of sea-level rise, however is still poorly understood. Computer models about these glaciers have been developed in UNIS and have been adopted world wide, this leading research may eventually be used to produce more accurate predictions about global evolution.
Another topic of interest is permafrost. Permafrost (also known as cryotic soil) is a thick subsurface layer of soil that has been frozen for at least two years. Permafrost landforms are very useful when determining thermal properties of the land, which can approximate landscape sensitivity. UNIS has collaborated world wide with its research leaving a large footprint in this field.

Arctic Technology
This department is dedicated to helping the local industry of Svalbard thrive. Either by making the work easier, or making the surroundings safer.
A good example of making the area safer is the project 'Planning of optimal design for roads in relation to avalanche risk and instability under temperature fluctuations around 0°C' supported by SNSK and led by Jan Otto Larsen. The project was designed to create a safe road through a mountain to a mine.

Geophysics Saving the best for last :)
Because of the location, Svalbard is optimal for measuring phenomena occurring in the magnetosphere. In the two decades since it was founded, the space group has become internationally recognised with a focus on optical instrumentation for auroral and mesospheric studies.
In 2008 an aural observation facility was built. The Kjell Henriksen Observatory (KHO), named after Prof. Kjell Henriksen, who was responsible for the old auroral station in Adventdalen. The station has been used by 16 research groups to measure a plethora of properties in the northern lights.

Aside from the scientific potential, Svalbard is incredibly beautiful. The nature and scenery attract tourists from around the globe. Unfortunately it is the same attractive environment that is hostile and dangerous. This means all of the students are required to complete  a survival training course, one week long.  

Our metal gets tested tomorrow!

Ryan