Sermilik Research Station
In the 1970s, the research station was built by the University of Copenhagen. In 2022, the University of Graz started cooperation with Copenhagen University. With the support of private donor Dr. Christian Palmers, the station was expanded significantly.
Where is the research station located?
The Sermilik Research Station of the Universities of Graz and Copenhagen is located at the entrance to the Sermilikfjord on the island of Ammassalik in East Greenland, some 3700 kilometers away from Graz. About 15 kilometers east of the station is Tasiilaq, the largest town in East Greenland with a population of around 2000. The journey to Tasiilaq and the station usually takes two days and is made via Kulusuk Airport, which has regular flights from Iceland. The journey then continues by boat to the town and the station.
The East of Greenland
The east coast of Greenland has retained its wild, Arctic character. Here, the rocky mountain flanks rise directly out of the sea and the Greenland Ice Sheet sends large icebergs on their journey south. Greenland's highest mountains are also on the eastern side of the island, including the 3693-m high Gunnbjørns Fjeld, the highest mountain in the entire Arctic.
The climate here is much harsher than in the west of Greenland. Besides the brown rocks, mosses and lichens characterize the landscape. Impressive is the delta of the Mittivakkat glacier directly adjacent to the station. A lonely sandy beach stretches for several kilometers here.
Year-round research
The location of the station was chosen to facilitate research throughout the year. The station is also integrated into an EU research program that provides access for researchers on an international level. Generally, the University of Graz strives to support both scientists and students from all over the world who want to conduct research in East Greenland. In this way, the University of Graz utilizes its expertise in polar research as an important player in international Arctic research.
A station for Austria's polar research
With the expansion of the Sermilik research station, the generous donator Dr. Christian Palmers made it possible to realize the long-cherished wish to establish an Austrian polar station. In the future, the University of Graz will operate the station in cooperation with the University of Copenhagen. Both the University of Graz and Dr. Palmers are particularly keen for this location to become an open place of science. Researchers and students from Austria and international partner organizations are always welcome.
This also means that the station is open to all scientific disciplines, including inter- and transdisciplinary approaches.
Space for 25 researchers
In the future, the station will be jointly managed by the universities in Copenhagen and Graz, and will offer space for up to 25 people as early as summer 2024. There will be regular excursions for students. Researchers can contact the University of Graz directly with their projects.