Summer School 2026 Daily Report – Day 7: Knowledge Systems and Field Observations at Longyearbreen
The seventh day of the NVP International Summer School 2026 focused on different ways of understanding and interpreting the Arctic. Through discussions on Indigenous knowledge, local knowledge, and scientific approaches, participants explored how diverse knowledge systems can contribute to a deeper understanding of environmental and societal change in the Arctic.
The morning sessions were led by Henry Huntington of Ocean Conservancy and Mark Nuttall of the University of Alberta. Together, they examined the relationships between Indigenous knowledge, local experience, and scientific research, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that arise when different ways of knowing are brought together.
Henry Huntington (Ocean Conservancy) and Mark Nuttall (University of Alberta) leading a discussion on how different knowledge systems can contribute to environmental governance and our understanding of a changing Arctic. Photo: Ragnhild Utne / NVP
Following lunch, the programme moved into the field with an excursion to Longyearbreen, located just outside Longyearbyen. Guided by Mike Retelle of UNIS, participants hiked through the moraine towards the glacier while learning about the geological history of the area and the processes that continue to shape the landscape today.
Participants are hiking to the Longyear Glacier. Photo: Petra Hus
Almost there! Photo: Petra Hus
Along the route, students had the opportunity to observe features associated with glaciers, permafrost, and erosion, connecting many of the topics discussed during previous lectures to real-world examples in the field. The excursion also provided a closer look at how glaciers influence the surrounding environment and how Arctic landscapes continue to change over time.
Students drilling into Longyearbreen as part of the glacier excursion. Photo: Petra Hus
As throughout the summer school, the field excursion offered an opportunity to combine scientific discussions with direct observations of the Arctic environment. The glacier landscape served as a reminder that environmental change can be observed not only through data and research, but also through the physical features of the landscape itself.
The day concluded with a shared dinner at Coal Miners' Bar & Grill, where students and lecturers gathered for an informal evening of discussions and socialising after a day spent both in the classroom and in the field.
Tomorrow, participants will return to UNIS for discussions on Arctic tipping points, critical infrastructure, geopolitics, and crisis management in a rapidly changing Arctic.