NOC and Augmentum Arctic Climate Research

Researchers from the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) have embarked on a pioneering scientific mission in the fjords of Greenland, supported by philanthropic partner Augmentum.

In August, the NOC team joined Augmentum’s vessel MY Akula, which provided a vital platform for the research in some of the Arctic’s most challenging and remote environments. The collaboration gave scientists direct access to Greenland’s Sermilik, Narsarsuaq, and Qaqortoq fjords, where they are investigating how glacial meltwater is influencing Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) cycling and microbial biodiversity.

These studies are crucial: melting glaciers release DOC, which can affect the growth of phytoplankton and bacteria. These microscopic organisms form the foundation of the marine food web and regulate the ocean’s carbon cycle, meaning that changes in their dynamics have implications not just for Arctic ecosystems, but for the global climate system.

The expedition will characterise the sources of DOC, assess microbialbiodiversity, and examine how these processes interact within fjord ecosystems. Insights from this work will directly inform NOC’s Arctic Mission, a long-term programme designed to deepen understanding of the rapidly changing polar environment and its consequences worldwide.

Augmentum’s support has been key to making this mission possible.

By funding the project and providing access to MY Akula, Augmentum has enabled world-leading scientists to reach remote regions that are otherwise difficult and costly to study. Augmentum commitment reflects a strong belief in the power of science, collaboration, and philanthropy to drive lasting positive change.

Beyond offering financial backing, Augmentum champions projects that connect people with nature and heritage, restore ecosystems, and build resilience for future generations. In supporting the Arctic Mission, Augmentum is not only advancing critical science but also setting an example of how private philanthropy can accelerate progress in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.

The Arctic is warming faster than any other region on Earth, with consequences that extend far beyond its borders. NOC’s Arctic Mission brings together unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to contribute vital knowledge ahead of the International Polar Year 2032/33. This partnership with Augmentum ensures that essential fieldwork can continue in the years to come.

This collaboration is a reminder of the vital role philanthropy plays in enabling science at the frontiers of discovery. It is through partnerships like this that researchers can unlock new insights into our changing world and help shape amore sustainable future.

https://noc.ac.uk/