Sermilik Research Station
The research station was established by the University of Copenhagen in the 1970s. In 2022, the University of Graz signed a cooperation agreement with Copenhagen. With the support of Dr. Christian Palmers, the station is now being set up.
Where is the research station located?
The Sermilik Research Station of the Universities of Graz and Copenhagen is located at the entrance to the Sermilik Fjord on the offshore island of Ammassalik in eastern Greenland, just over 3,700 kilometers northwest of Graz. Around 15 kilometers east of the station lies Tasiilaq, the largest town in East Greenland with around 2,000 inhabitants. The journey to Tasiilaq and the station usually takes two days and is via Kulusuk Airport, which is served by regular flights from Iceland. From there, it is a boat ride to the town and the station.
A temporary test operation has been underway since 2023. In the summer of 2025, a team of specialists from various trades will carry out the final construction work on the building. The opening and full operation are planned for 2026.
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.