Student report: Mette Lauridsen studying marine biology in Greenland
Below is Mette Lauridsen's (Aarhus University) student report about studying marine biology in Nuuk for a semester.
As a marine biology student, visiting the Arctic had always been a dream of mine. Therefore, when I learned about the opportunity to spend a semester on a north2north exchange in Greenland (Nuuk) focusing on Arctic studies, I applied immediately. I planned the exchange a year in advance, and I was thrilled when I was accepted at Pinngortitaleriffik, the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources.
The semester covered various topics within marine biology, including sea ice ecology, microbiology, marine ecosystems, and trophic interactions. The fieldwork was just as exciting and rewarding as I had imagined - from walking on sea ice and analyzing ice cores to sailing through stunning fjord systems surrounded by majestic mountains, observing birds, scouting for whales, and conducting oceanographic measurements.
In my spare time, I pursued my goal of scuba diving in the cold, crystal-clear Arctic waters. Together with a group of marine biologist divers, I gained a unique underwater perspective on these fragile ecosystems. These dives provided a deeper, hands-on understanding of the biodiversity and environmental conditions of Arctic marine habitats, which I was able to connect directly to my theoretical knowledge and ongoing studies in Denmark.
During my stay in Nuuk, significant political events unfolded, including a national election and broader geopolitical developments. Experiencing this firsthand gave me a deeper understanding of Greenland’s history, traditions, and the ongoing fight for indigenous rights. It was a truly humbling and eye-opening experience.
This exchange semester has been both academically and personally transformative and would not would not have been possible without the financial support provided by the grant. It strengthened my scientific expertise, broadened my cultural understanding, and deepened my passion for Arctic marine research. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that Aarhus University offers, and I can only recommend everyone who goes with the same Artic dream, to pursuit it.