Participant call for Polar microplastic and climate impact research trips

The Clean Planet Peninsula project is set to embark on a new three-year journey, and is inviting 25 individuals to join an immersive training cause in August 2024.

Over the following two years, successful candidates from the group will travel to both the Arctic and Antarctic, where they will receive further training and undertake scientific research.

Candidates do not need to come from a specialist background, but must be able to demonstrate a specific interest or focus relating to either microplastic or climate science. They should also be able to show how this work will benefit global understandings of key environmental issues and contribute to conservation efforts. 

The multi-year program will run as follows: 

Year 1: UK Field course (4^th -9^th August 2024)- Princetown within Dartmoor National Park, Devon

• 25 Participants above 18 who want to acquire important fieldwork skills for research projects in remote areas including polar regions.
• The course will cover critical field skills, including survival, food preparation, essential hygiene practices with a focus on menstruation, navigation, and more.

Year 2: Arctic Expedition (October 2025):

• A shortlist of selected participants from Year 1 will have the opportunity to join an Arctic expedition in 2025, continuing their training in blending field skills and conducting scientific research in both marine and on land.

Year 3: Phase A – Norway/Finland (April 2026)

• A further shortlist of selected participants from Year 2 will go on a High Skills training trip to acquire remote weather survival skills in addition to skills for acquiring scientific data under cold weather conditions.

Year 3: Phase B- Antarctica Voyage Expedition (Dec -2026):

• The final shortlist of selected participants from the original 25 will become part of the crew for a voyage expedition to Antarctica, acquiring additional skills and conducting meaningful research on microplastics and climate research.

Participants must be 18 years old, and a full-time UK resident. A minimum of 20% of places will be allocated to people from low income backgrounds, although it is important to note that most journeys within Great Britain will need to be covered at the expense of participants. Travel overseas, food, accommodation, and specialist equipment is covered by the project.

Individuals of all physical ability levels are encouraged to apply, although organisers have emphasised the rigorous nature of the work, and associated expeditions. To be considered, applications can be submitted online until Friday 24th May. You can find full details of the process here. 

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Image: Clean Planet Peninsula