The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS), the INTERACT Station Manager`s Forum and the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) are proud to announce that we have developed a Fieldwork Planning Handbook for scientists; just in time for the start of the Arctic field season! The handbook will facilitate safe fieldwork and maximise the results of research and monitoring activities in the Arctic and other cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
The INTERACT Fieldwork Planning Handbook covers all aspects of fieldwork, from the initial idea, to the actual fieldwork, through to getting safely back home with samples and data to wrap up the project. A particular focus is put on all aspects of planning until you venture into the field and safety aspects when working at INTERACT stations or in the field. We highlight the most common natural hazards that you need to prepare for in the field and outline important environmental considerations. The Handbook also provides comprehensive checklists, contact details and online resources for jurisdictional information pertinent to conducting fieldwork in the Arctic.
The book has been developed and written by early career scientists, station managers and experienced safety professionals, thus reflecting the views of both new explorers and those with years of experience. We therefore hope that the book can be an inspirational source for early career and more senior scientists providing in-depth knowledge and handy tips for fieldwork planning in the Arctic and other cold regions of the world.
Later this year, the book will be supplemented with the INTERACT Practical Field Guide, a useful guidebook based on the Fieldwork Planning Handbook and designed to be taken into the field as a reminder of the main safety aspects and best practices.
The INTERACT Fieldwork Planning Handbook can be downloaded from both the INTERACT website and the APECS website. Printed copies are available upon request through INTERACT and the APECS office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
The INTERACT Fieldwork Planning Handbook will also be presented during Session 2 of the APECS International Online Conference 2019 on 20 May 2019.
