Advising
One of the institute’s main tasks is to be an adviser to the Norwegian authorities in polar environmental issues. In Antarctica, the institute is the authority for all Norwegian activity.
Research and monitoring
Research and monitoring in the polar regions yield information that is crucial for understanding global environmental changes and their consequences. Better data coverage and insight into climate and the environment will also improve Norway’s ability to manage its national territories and resources.
The Norwegian Polar Institute does research on biodiversity, geological mapping, climate and pollutants in the High North and the polar regions, and contributes to national and regional research programmes that involve these topics.
We also provide important contributions to international climate research and the Institute is an active point of contact within the international scientific community.
Research infrastructure
Logistics and support
Research in polar regions is challenging, not least in terms of logistics. Great distances, cold climate and the general lack of infrastructure place stringent demands on transport systems, equipment and safety. The Norwegian Polar Institute outfits and organises major expeditions to both Poles, owns the research vessel Kronprins Haakon and runs several research stations stations, two in Ny-Ålesund in Svalbard (Sverdrup and Zeppelin Observatory) and two in Antarctica (Troll and the field station Tor).
Mapping and place names
The Norwegian Polar Institute is the national mapping authority for polar land regions, including geological surveys for non-commercial purposes. The Institute publishes maps in both digital and printed form.
The Institute is also the official agency responsible for place names in the Norwegian polar regions.