The Albédo Foundation for the Cryosphere launches the “Génération Cryosphère” program, an initiative to support a new generation of French-speaking researchers specializing in the study of the polar regions and high-altitudes.
This program aims to identify, promote and support 16 young, French-speaking doctoral students by offering them exceptional opportunities for experience, visibility and immersion in the field of polar research.
As part of the Génération Cryosphère program, the participants will take part in a leg of the “One Ocean Expedition” that is organized by UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
During autumn 2025, UiT will charter S/S Statsraad Lehmkuhl for two legs for the course Arctic Future Pathfinders – A journey through the Northwest Passage, a part of the greater One Ocean Expedition. The first leg will start in Nuuk, Kalaallit Nunaat/Greenland on August 5th and conclude in Iqaluktuttiaq/Cambridge Bay, Canada. The second leg will start in Iqaluktuttiaq/Cambridge Bay, Canada and conclude in Anchorage, Alaska, USA on October 4th. The course is linked to Norway’s Arctic Ocean 2050 initiative and the upcoming International Polar Year in 2032/33, aiming to train students and young academics to become essential Arctic researchers. The 10 ECTS course is focused on inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration competences and anticipatory skills, aimed at master’s students and doctoral candidates. Research will also be carried out onboard the ship.
In addition to participating in the expedition, Génération Cryosphère participants will be attending multiple other activities.
The program consists of:
- An exceptional experience on a voyage onboard the scientific sailing vessel Staatsraad Lehmkuhl for one month from 5 August 2025 as part of the One Ocean Expedition led by UiT The Arctic University of Norway, enabling participants to discover the Arctic through the Northwest Passage
- Networking and international recognition: an official presentation at the Oceans Summit (UNOC) in Nice on 8 June 2025 in front of 50 Heads of State and 100 heads of major companies and 200 heads of global institutions, then at the Cryosphere Summit in Paris on 3 December 2025 at the Château de Versailles
- Scientific and media support: support from the Albédo Foundation for publications and audiovisual productions (documentaries, podcasts) of their first post-doctoral projects to amplify the impact of their research and raise awareness among a wider public
- Integration into a worldwide network of research leaders: interdisciplinary collaborations and funding opportunities for their future work
Timeline
- 15 March 2025: Applications received by the Albédo Foundation for the Cryosphere
- 15 April 2025: Validation by UiT The Arctic University of Norway, which is organising the expedition
- 8 June 2025: Presentation of the Génération Cryosphère at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France
- August - September 2025: Participation in the One Ocean Expedition from Nuuk, Kalaallit Nunaat/Greenland to Iqaluktuttiaq/Cambridge Bay, Canada
- December 2025: Participation in the Cryosphere Summit in Paris, France
- 2025-2030: Scientific and media support for post-doctoral projects
Applications can be submitted to the APECS International Directorate, which will — following a review process — nominate up to 16 candidates to the Albédo Foundation for the Cryosphere for their final selection. Successful applicants will then be registered at UiT The Arctic University of Norway to take part in the One Ocean Expedition.
To be eligible, candidates must be:
- enrolled as a PhD student / doctoral candidate
- fluent in French (regardless of their native language)
In addition to the questions in the application form, candidates are required to submit
- a summary of their thesis (max. one page)
- a reference letter from their PhD supervisor (max. one page)
- a CV (max. four pages)
Please submit your application by 10 March, 11:00 GMT through this form. Any applications received after this date cannot be considered. All documents need to be provided as PDFs and must be in English.
You can contact the APECS International Directorate with questions regarding this opportunity through info[at]apecs.is.
