Are you up to a once in a lifetime Arctic sailing adventure?

University of Oulu and the Arctic Six announce a call for one Master / PhD student to participate in the One Ocean II Expedition with the associated ECTS-credited module Arctic Future Pathfinders – A journey through the Northwest Passage

More information:
https://en.uit.no/one-ocean

Expedition takes place during autumn 2025 and is organised by UiT The Arctic University of Norway at charter S/S Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Through the cooperation in Arctic Six alliance, University of Oulu has been granted one free place to Master or PhD student to attend the expedition and course.

The starting point is Nuuk in Greenland August 5th, and the expedition concludes in Anchorage in Alaska October 4th, with stops in Gjøa Haven and Cambridge Bay in Canada. Charter flight is organised both to the starting and from the ending place. More details about connecting travels will be shared with the lucky student, possible extra travel costs will be cover by Thule Institute.

The expedition is linked to Norway’s Arctic Ocean 2050 initiative and the upcoming International Polar Year in 2032/33, aiming to train students and young academics to become essential Arctic researchers. The backbone of the expedition is a 10 ECTS course focused on inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration competences and anticipatory skills, aimed at master’s students and doctoral candidates. The expedition also includes research.

Detailed information about the course content, learning outcomes, admission requirements, perquisites etc are found at: https://en.uit.no/one-ocean/international-partners/masters-course-international

The course Arctic Future Pathfinders – A journey through the Northwest Passage

The course is designed to be project-based and with an overarching focus on developing inter- and transdisciplinary skills, critical futures-thinking competences, personal reflections, and collaborative practice. Indigenous and traditional knowledge and perspectives, conventional science, and societal challenges at large are integrated in the course content.

Students and doctoral candidates must be socially engaged, robust, curious, and wish to be part of the solution to major societal challenges related to climate change and sustainable use of the ocean (in a broad sense). Moderate fitness is required, understanding that the ocean might be rough and that cabins will be shared with other students. All course participants will be sailing trainees and will be enrolled in the daily routines of the crew and are required to play an active role on board. All course participants will be involved in research activities about teaching and learning onboard as well as in outreach activities. During these activities, pictures and audio-video recordings will be taken. Living and studying onboard will facilitate active, authentic, and experiential learning. Working in teams will highlight the importance of cooperation whether sailing a tall ship or contributing towards a sustainable future.

The main part of the course will take place on board the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl, during navigation through the Northwest Passage as part of the One Ocean Expedition II. The voyage is divided in two legs: Nuuk, Greenland - Cambridge Bay, Canada (approx. 21 days) and Cambridge Bay, Canada - Anchorage, US (approx. 30 days). During each leg, 60 course participants will be onboard the vessel.

The students voyage won't be for longer than 5 weeks - either the first half or later half of the period from 5 August to 10 October.

The course is conducted in English, so proficiency in the language is necessary.

The course is open for any disciplinary background (biology, technology, engineering, computer sciences, law, social sciences, business and economics, arts and humanities, health sciences, etc.).

If successful, please note that all participants will have to provide a medical certificate from a certified seafarer’s doctor after admission. They must complete a mandatory preparation before coming onboard: engagement with course material and online assessment test(s). Documentation: personal declaration, uploaded in Canvas or WiseFLOW. Online assessment test(s) before coming onboard. Documentation: results of the assessment test(s) uploaded in Canvas or WiseFLOW. and Safety course, to be given onboard and/or on land/online.

Call is now open for Masters or PhD students at any discipline to send in application with all documents required (please see list below) by March 10th after which top candidates will be interviewed. The selection is aimed to be finalized before March 20, 2025.

Nomination to UiT will be made by the University of Oulu.

Got interested? Please fill in the online form https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/45DEBF1F491397B9 by March 10, 2025 including all attachments listed below:

All the text must be written in English.

1. Declaration of integrity/authenticity. The document must include a signed statement affirming that the submission files are the applicant's own work (except the Letter of recommendation), with no external or Artificial Intelligence assistance. Consequence for false declarations is disqualifying the applicant from the course.

2. Curriculum Vitae (max 1 page, A4). The document must include sections on education, work experience, skills, publications (if applicable), awards and honours, and any other information the applicant finds relevant.

3. Motivation letter (max 2 pages, A4, font Calibri, size 11, normal margins, single space), including (but not limited to) a reflection over:

• applicant’s values, career goals, and the relevance of the course;
• the impact of the course on the societal role of the applicant;
• the challenges they foresee with staying one month away from home under the special circumstances on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl;
• personal fitness to the course (in terms of skills, qualities, knowledge, etc.).

4. Description of the applicant’s involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and community service (max 1 page, A4, font Calibri, size 11, normal margins, single space).

The document should highlight specific examples, roles, and outcomes, focusing on leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility.

5. Portfolio of items (min 3 items, max 5 items; preferably from the last 5 years) showcasing the applicant’s relevant work, projects, research (e.g., academic papers, creative projects, technical reports), and any other work that demonstrates their skills and knowledge, or interest in the field. Besides the respective item(s), the portfolio should include a max 150 words description of each item and of their relevance.

6. Individual learning plan (max 2 pages, A4, font Calibri, size 11, normal margins, single space) that includes:

• proposal for research to be implemented during the course (note that admission in the course does not guarantee that this specific research proposal will be implemented during the course);
• description of individual development as part of the course (in terms of skills, competences etc.);
• personal envisioned contribution to the learning environment of the course.

7. One letter of recommendation from a professor, mentor, or employer, who can attest to the applicant’s abilities, work ethic, and suitability for the course. The letter should be specific and refer to the academic performance, personal qualities, and relevant experience of the applicant.

8. (Copy of identity document. In the case of non-Norwegian applicants, this document must be the passport. – This is only needed from successful applicant and will be included in the final nomination to be done by University of Oulu. )

Curious to learn more about the expedition and course: https://en.uit.no/one-ocean > international partners

Or contact, Kirsi Latola, Thule Institute, kirsi.latola@oulu.fi