The University of Graz's Sermilik research station has been standing on a rocky outcrop in the Sermilik Fjord in East Greenland since 2023. It was built with the support of Arctic fan Christian Palmers. The first excursion for students to the university's northernmost location took place the summer before last. And scientists have already made potentially groundbreaking discoveries. And now the work is really starting to pick up pace.
Huge interest
There is huge international interest in the Sermilik station. The same applies to local universities. In August, the FH Joanneum will be travelling to East Greenland with a group of students. In the summer, the Institute of Chemistry plans to investigate the concentration of the so-called ‘eternity chemicals’ PFAS at the remote fjord. But there is still a lot to be done before then. As soon as the harbour at Tasiilaq is free of ice in July, several containers will be delivered with more equipment. ‘By then, we will also have a local member of staff on site,’ explains Andreas Trügler, the scientific head of the station.
Not only students, but also scientists use the Sermilik station for their research – and make amazing discoveries in the process. Biologist Martin Grube has probably discovered a completely new species of lichen. ‘It differs in growth habit and ecological niche from the closest related species,’ says Grube. ‘To prove its independence, the finds must be examined in more detail by comparing them with collection material, chemical analyses and genetic data.’ To this end, further samples are to be collected in the future.
Archaeological discovery
Polar researcher Wolfgang Schöner, who has been instrumental in advancing the construction of the Sermilik station, made another archaeological discovery. ‘Where the glacial stream near the station flows into the sea, there are three small islands that can be reached on foot at low tide,’ Schöner describes. ‘There I was able to discover structures of the East Greenlandic culture.’ The Greenlandic government actually registers all old settlement remains from the period before the 19th century. ‘These remains have not yet been scientifically documented,’ says the geographer. This is a good opportunity for archaeologists and historians to catch up on this.
Andreas Trügler emphasises that the Sermilik station is open to all fields of research. Projects in the humanities and social sciences, in particular, can offer great added value for the people of Greenland. ‘Our research should also benefit the region,’ he says and is confident that it will. ‘There is already a lot of interest from abroad – even though the station is still under construction.’