Taiyuan University of Technology Advances Arctic Observation and International Research Cooperation in 2026
TYUT researchers at China's Arctic Yellow River Station in Svalbard.
Taiyuan University of Technology (TYUT) teams helped deploy 51 self-developed observation systems during China's 16th Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition and advanced long-term monitoring at the Arctic Yellow River Station.
Since joining the University of the Arctic (UArctic) in June 2025, Taiyuan University of Technology (TYUT) has continued to strengthen its Arctic research activities in polar clean energy, intelligent sensing, and long-term environmental observation. In 2026, the university participated in two major Arctic field programmes, expanding the deployment of its observation technologies and contributing to bilateral and multilateral scientific activities.
Large-Scale Deployment Across 16 Ice Stations
From July to September 2026, Associate Professor Pengyue Li and doctoral students Baobao An and Yuan Liu took part in China's 16th Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition aboard the research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2.
Working at 16 ice stations across the two vessels' operations, the team helped successfully deploy 51 sets of observation equipment developed by TYUT. These included space-environment observation buoys, ice mass-balance buoys, sea-ice drifting buoys, and autonomous ecological ice stations.
According to TYUT's expedition report, this was a record deployment of university-developed ice-based observation equipment on a single Chinese Arctic research expedition. The large-scale application of these systems represents an important step toward strengthening Arctic observation networks and improving environmental monitoring capabilities beneath sea ice.
A New Autonomous System for Under-Ice Ecology
One of the newly deployed systems, an autonomous ecological ice station, was demonstrated in Arctic waters for the first time.
It integrates acoustic, optical, and electrical sensing for near-surface, under-ice observations. Designed for up to a year of continuous monitoring, the station can support research on the overwintering and seasonal responses of under-ice algae, plankton, fish, and other biological communities.
The system offers a new technical approach to coordinated, multi-parameter observation of the Arctic marine ecosystem, providing valuable support for understanding environmental and ecological changes in polar waters.
International Field Collaboration
International scientific cooperation was another important highlight of the expedition.
When Xuelong 2 supported the French Tara Polar Station platform during preparations for its overwintering drift, TYUT researchers participated in coordinated deployments of ice-based observation buoys on nearby floes, contributing to a shared long-term sea-ice observation arrangement.
These activities demonstrated the value of international cooperation in Arctic environmental research and provided valuable experience for future joint scientific observations.
Complementary Observations from Svalbard
In a separate 2026 field programme, TYUT doctoral student Cheng Cui worked at China's Arctic Yellow River Station in Svalbard on long-term environmental monitoring and in situ validation of observation equipment.
Combining ship-based measurements, ice-station observations, and station-based monitoring helps improve data continuity and provides opportunities for cross-validation with buoy observations and satellite data.
The complementary observation activities further strengthened TYUT's capability in Arctic environmental monitoring and provided valuable scientific data for climate change research and polar environmental studies.
Strengthening Cooperation Through UArctic
Since becoming a member of UArctic, TYUT has regarded the network as an important platform for expanding international academic cooperation and contributing to Arctic research and sustainable development.
Building on its achievements in 2026, TYUT looks forward to further engagement with UArctic member institutions in collaborative Arctic observation, research data exchange where appropriate, student and researcher mobility, and joint research proposals.
The university also hopes to contribute its experience in polar clean energy, ice-based instruments, and intelligent monitoring to wider international efforts in understanding Arctic environmental change and supporting sustainable development.
Through continued participation in UArctic activities, TYUT remains committed to strengthening international research partnerships, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributing practical engineering solutions to the scientific understanding and sustainable future of the Arctic.
Credit for the text and photos: TYUT.