Research Stations

Iceland maintains several research stations focused on Arctic and sub-Arctic research, including marine biology, ecology, geopolitics, and environmental studies. These stations serve as crucial hubs for understanding Arctic ecosystems and climate change impacts.

1. Sudurnes Science and Learning Center

Location: Sandgerði, southwestern Iceland

Focus: Marine biology, ecology, geology, and environmental research in the sub-Arctic region

Key Features:

  • Supports field research and educational programs
  • Focuses on marine biology and ecology
  • Conducts environmental research in sub-Arctic region
Sudurnes Science and Learning Center

2. Reykjavík University's Arctic Research Facility

Location: Reykjavík

Focus: Arctic geopolitics, energy systems, and the sustainability of Arctic communities

Key Features:

  • Focuses on interdisciplinary research
  • Studies Iceland's strategic role in the Arctic
  • Research on Arctic geopolitics and energy systems
Reykjavík University's Arctic Research Facility

3. The University of Akureyri's Research Center

Location: Akureyri, northern Iceland

Focus: Research on Arctic ecosystems, Arctic law, and sustainable development

Key Features:

  • Key institution in Arctic studies
  • Studies Arctic ecosystems and law
  • Research on sustainable development
The University of Akureyri's Research Center

4. Icelandic Institute of Natural History

Location: Reykjavik and Akureyri

Focus: Iceland's natural environment, biodiversity, and the impact of climate change on Arctic and sub-Arctic ecosystems

Key Features:

  • Studies Iceland's natural environment
  • Research on biodiversity
  • Climate change impact studies
Icelandic Institute of Natural History

5. Grimsey Island Research Station

Location: Grimsey Island, Arctic Circle

Focus: Ornithological research, particularly studying seabird populations in the Arctic Circle

Key Features:

  • Studies seabird populations
  • Research on environmental changes
  • Focus on Arctic biodiversity
Grimsey Island Research Station

Policy

Government of Iceland
US Department of State
NAADSN
Scholar article

Icebreakers

Iceland maintains a small but capable fleet of research and coast guard vessels that can operate in ice-covered waters. While not traditional heavy icebreakers, these vessels are designed to handle various ice conditions in Iceland's territorial waters.

Þór (Thor) RV Árni Friðriksson RV Bjarni Sæmundsson RV Þórunn Þórðardóttir
Vessel Name Þór (Thor) RV Árni Friðriksson RV Bjarni Sæmundsson RV Þórunn Þórðardóttir
Image Þór Vessel RV Árni Friðriksson RV Bjarni Sæmundsson RV Þórunn Þórðardóttir
Date of Launch 29 April 2009 2000 1970 Under construction
Introduction Þór is the primary icebreaker operated by the Icelandic Coast Guard, designed to navigate through icy waters and assist in a variety of maritime operations. With a reinforced hull and powerful propulsion system, it is capable of performing search and rescue missions, supporting marine research, and carrying out fisheries protection duties. Árni Friðriksson is built as a multipurpose research vessel, designed for oceanographical and fisheries research in temperate and arctic waters. RV Bjarni Sæmundsson was built in December 1970 and went on her first cruise in January 1971. The vessel is built as a general research vessel, including fishery and oceanographic research. The vessel is equipped with numerous winches and cranes. Þórunn Þórðardóttir is currently under construction (2022-2024). The vessel is a multi purpose research vessel designed for oceanographic and fisheries research in temperate and arctic waters. The vessel is equipped with sophisticated electronic equipment for stock assessment, bottom mapping and communication.
Dimensions 93.8 x 16.0 x 5.8 69.9 x 14.0 x 6.8 55.87 x 10.6 x 4.0 69.8 x 13.2 x 5.7
Gross Tonnage 4,049 tons 2,233 tonnes 822 tonnes TBD
Capacity 48 accommodations 16 Crew, 17 Scientists 13 Crew, 13 Scientists 13 Crew, 17 Scientists
Power Source 2 x 4,500 kW Bergen engines diesel 4 x Caterpillar 3512B, 1080kW each 3 x Deutz AG Werk Mannheim V12, 582kW each ABC 8/6 DZC 1500-1000kW – Volvo Penta D13-MG RC 420kW
Operating Depth As a surface vessel, the Þór (Thor) operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth. As a surface vessel, the RV Árni Friðriksson operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth. As a surface vessel, the RV Bjarni Sæmundsson operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth. As a surface vessel, the RV Þórunn Þórðardóttir operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth.
Operating Depth (m) As a surface vessel, the Þór (Thor) operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine. As a surface vessel, the RV Árni Friðriksson operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine. As a surface vessel, the RV Bjarni Sæmundsson operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine. As a surface vessel, the RV Þórunn Þórðardóttir operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine.

Scientific Expedition

Expeditions by Year

Iceland has a rich history of Arctic exploration and continues to conduct significant scientific expeditions in the region. These expeditions contribute valuable data to our understanding of Arctic ecosystems, climate change, and environmental impacts.

For more information about Icelandic Arctic expeditions, visit the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, which offers a comprehensive view of research activities and findings.

1861 1990s 2000s 2003 2019 2019-2020 Ongoing

Event Timeline

1861
1949
1957
1972
1984
1991
1996
2000
2003
2007
2011
2013
2015
2019
2021
2022
1861

Icelandic Early Polar Expedition

One of the earliest organized Icelandic efforts to map and document the Arctic seas, supporting safer navigation and maritime activity in northern waters.

Source: ResearchGate
1949

NATO Membership

Iceland's NATO membership highlights its strategic position in the North Atlantic and its growing role in international security matters related to the Arctic.

Source: Iceland and NATO
1957-1958

International Geophysical Year (IGY)

Iceland played an active role in the IGY, gathering important geophysical and meteorological data from the Arctic and Subarctic regions, crucial for global climate models.

Source: Space Weather
1972

Arctic Marine Ecosystem Study

Icelandic scientists focused on studying Arctic marine species and ecosystem changes, helping to inform conservation and management strategies.

Source: Springer
1984

Arctic Climate Studies

Icelandic researchers collaborated on studying atmospheric conditions in the Arctic, providing critical data for early climate models.

Source: Taylor & Francis
1991

Arctic Sea Ice Monitoring Program

This program provided insights into sea ice behavior in Icelandic Arctic waters, informing navigation and regional climate studies.

Source: Taylor & Francis
1996

Founding Member of the Arctic Council

Iceland co-founded the Arctic Council, focusing on environmental protection, sustainable development, and indigenous cooperation.

Source: Arctic Council
2000s-Present

Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP)

Part of an ambitious geothermal energy project, the IDDP involves drilling deep into the Earth to study high-temperature geothermal areas and their potential for renewable energy.

Source: IDDP
2003

TARA Arctic Expeditions

Icelandic researchers participated in notable TARA Arctic Expeditions.

Source: TARA ARCTIC
2007-2008

International Polar Year (IPY)

Icelandic scientists engaged in collaborative research projects addressing climate change, polar ecosystems, and human dimensions in the Arctic.

Source: Arctic Portal
2011

Arctic Policy and Search and Rescue Agreement

Iceland introduced its Arctic Policy and signed the first legally binding agreement for coordinated Arctic search and rescue operations.

Source: Government of Iceland
2013

IACN Foundation and Arctic Circle Assembly

Established the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network and hosted the inaugural Arctic Circle Assembly, now a key forum for discussing Arctic affairs.

Source: Arctic Circle
2015

Ocean Acidification Studies

Icelandic scientists conducted studies on ocean acidification, documenting effects on Arctic marine biodiversity and informing conservation policies.

Source: Environmental Science and Ecotechnology
2019-2021

Arctic Council Chairmanship and MOSAiC Expedition

Iceland prioritized sustainable development during its Arctic Council Chairmanship and participated in the MOSAiC Expedition studying the Arctic climate system.

Source: Arctic Council
2021

Arctic Policy Update

Iceland updated its Arctic Policy to strengthen its focus on climate change and peaceful cooperation.

Source: Government of Iceland
2022

Arctic Fisheries Adaptation Project

Icelandic experts researched sustainable fishing practices and adaptation strategies to address the impact of climate change on fisheries.

Source: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
Ongoing

Continuous Research Programs

Multiple ongoing research initiatives including the Icelandic Glaciological Society Expeditions, Nordvulk Volcanic Research, and Marine Research Institute Arctic Expeditions continue to contribute to Arctic science and understanding.

Source: USGS