Polar place names
Search in over 20,000 place names from the Norwegian polar areas in the Arctic and Antarctic – all listed with origin and geographical position.
Research
Scientific research and monitoring in polar regions are crucial for understanding global changes in climate and the environment. Our research topics are:
- Climate / Climate change
- Environmental pollutants and toxins
- Biodiversity
- Marine ecosystems
- Glaciers
- Sea ice
- Geology
- Oceanography
Our research is conducted partly through the Institute's Centre for ice, climate and ecosystems (ICE).
Advisory services and management
The Norwegian Polar Institute is a directorate under the Ministry of the Environment, and advises Norwegian authorities on matters concerning polar issues. The Institute is also Norway’s competent environmental authority in Antarctica.
Activities in polar regions
If you're planning a visit to or an activity in Antarctica, please note that you must inform the Norwegian Polar Institute (or one of the other treaty states) no later than one year in advance.
The Institute has extensive experience with large scale operations in the Arctic and Antarctic. Logistic support services and equipment are available to researchers and other parties. Our research vessel, the R/V Lance, is available for hire.
Outreach
We are committed to making our knowledge about polar regions available to government agencies, our collaborating partners and the general public.
News More news
Annual report 2012
The Norwegian Polar Institute's annual report provides an overview of the Institute's activities and publications from the past year.
Awarded Russian Academy of Science gold medal
Dr. Svetlana Murzina, who did parts of her PhD work at UNIS, was awarded the gold medal of the Russian Academy of Sciences earlier this month.
Research at a floating laboratory at the North Pole
The Russian ice camp Barneo, which operates on the sea ice not far from the North Pole, is a hub for climate scientists from around the world every spring.