Exploring Arctic Pollution Together at European Researchers’ Night

Every year, on the last Friday of September, Researchers’ Night takes place across Europe as the largest public science event of its kind. From workshops and exhibitions to interactive talks and family activities, the event opens up the world of research to citizens of all ages. This year, the ICEBERG project was proud to join the celebration in not just one, but two cities: Oulu and Reykjavík.

At Tutkijoiden yössä (Resaerchers’ Night) on Linnanmaa Campus at the University of Oulu, our Coordination team, Thora Herrmann, Élise Lépy and Ashley Gipson, took the stage in the session Citizens Engaged in Science to present “Track Coastal Pollution in the Arctic through Citizen Science.”

Together with a curious and lively audience, we explored how citizen scientists in Iceland, Greenland, and Svalbard help track pollution along Arctic coasts, ranging from tiny plastic fragments to chemical run-off. Using drones, time-lapse cameras, beach litter surveys, and community clean-ups, local residents and groups collect essential data that researchers alone could never capture.

The presentation sparked great curiosity, especially among families. The discussions with visitors highlighted both the challenges and opportunities of this approach.

The audience asked how we can study Arctic pollution from afar, an excellent question that underlines why citizen participation in research is so crucial. Others were eager to know how they themselves could contribute to tackling pollution. The lively discussion showed that Arctic challenges resonate with people far beyond the North, and that protecting the environment is a task for us all.

But ICEBERG’s presence at Researchers’ Night didn’t stop in Oulu, Finland. At the very same time, the members of our consortium, Helga Númadóttir and Þórný Barðadóttir from the Stefansson Arctic Institute were presenting the project in Vísindavaka (Science Night) in Reykjavík, Iceland bringing a different perspective, audience, and set of conversations.

Helga explains that Vísindavaka is a prominent and eagerly anticipated event in Iceland, and this year, marking its 20th anniversary, was no exception. Since ICEBERG has one of its three field sites in Northeast Iceland, the event provided a great opportunity to present the project in the capital, Reykjavík, allowing for discussions on how Icelanders, as well as citizens in western Svalbard and South Greenland, participate in the research, such as through the uMap initiative.

Together, these experiences show how Researchers’ Night truly embodies its European spirit: connecting science and society across borders, and reminding us that collaboration between researchers, citizens, and communities is key to tackling the challenges ahead.

Participating in Researchers’ Night in Oulu and Reykjavík was a fantastic reminder of how much energy and curiosity citizens bring to science. Whether through questions, hands-on activities, or discussions, the public’s engagement fuels our motivation and strengthens our research.

For us in ICEBERG, Researchers’ Night was not only an opportunity to share our work but also to connect with citizens, exchange ideas, and inspire new ways of thinking about research. After all, science thrives on collaboration and protecting the Arctic environment is something we can only achieve together.

We thank everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, and shared their enthusiasm. See you at the next  Researchers’ Night!