The goal of the Hurtigruten Science Program is to educate and inform guests about the challenges our planet faces and, by doing so, create ambassadors. Guests are encouraged to actively participate in the collection of scientific data through Citizen Science projects. The projects not only foster a deeper understanding of the regions in which you travel, but also provide insights and invaluable data to help protect some of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems.
Science in a Unique Atmosphere: The state-of-the-art onboard Science Center is the heart of your expedition ship where you’ll learn about wildlife, culture, and history specific to the destinations you visit. You’ll also have an opportunity to join lectures on sustainability, nature photography, and climate change. An enthusiastic Expedition Team of experts shares in-depth knowledge with you.
The Science Center is packed with research equipment, including high-tech microscopes and a library. Depending on ship size, these areas offer a variety of meaningful experiences like wildlife spotting, geology, biology, geography, glaciology, oceanography, and more.
The Core of Citizen Science Projects
- Involve guests in projects for third-party organizations
- Carry scientific equipment for sample collection on behalf of research institutes
- Host scientific personnel on board to conduct collaborative science programs
- Deliver an educational lecture program
- Interact with guests in the Science Centers to reinforce the lecture program with practical, hands-on experiences
Numerous Citizen Science projects enhance the knowledge and understanding of the areas sailed, all of which guests are welcome to participate in. For example, in Svalbard we take part in the Norwegian Polar Institute project for the registration of marine mammals in the Arctic (Marine Mammal Sightings Database). The data from this project improves overall understanding of habitat use and seasonal movement patterns.
Additionally, scientific research is conducted on board the ships via partnerships with world-leading institutions. Hurtigruten contributes to several science projects by offering in-kind logistical support to researchers. In 2021, 10 researchers were on board Hurtigruten Expeditions vessels from six different scientific institutions.
Hurtigruten aims to run at least one Citizen Science project on every trip. The specific programming of the projects is subject to availability and can change based on a number of conditions like the itinerary, the number of staff, and weather.
Magic Carpet Travels is located at 1359 S. Main Road, Vineland, NJ 08360. Contact at [email protected] or 856-507-9110.
