Kicking Off the UArctic EXTREMES Project
Art and science promote a more profound reflection on the relationship between humans and extreme environments.
The University of Vienna recently hosted the inaugural meeting of the UArctic Extremes project, which explores extreme environments. From January 13 to 15, principal investigators from the partner institutions met with collaborators, artists, and scientists from the University of Vienna to collectively shape and enhance the goals of this collaborative project.
The first two days of this initial meeting took place at the Department of Palaeontology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy at the University of Vienna, culminating the third day at the Department of Astrophysics. This gathering established the foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration to explore the intersection of science and art in some of the planet’s most extreme environments.
About UArctic Extremes
The EXTREMES project aims to develop a unique approach to integrating art, marine science, and social sciences to cultivate a more nuanced interdisciplinary understanding and representation of the deep geobiological forces in operation in extreme environments and their impact on the Earth.
While science provides the tools and methods to explore and understand these largely unexplored environments—such as deep-sea cold seeps and hydrothermal vents in the Arctic Region—art can expand our human imagination and sensibilities towards such environments. By embracing both disciplines, we can foster a more holistic understanding of extreme environments and their significance to humanity and Earth.
During the meeting, all participants agreed to adopt a co-creation approach. This collaborative framework brings together artists, marine scientists, and humanities scholars to evoke emotions and provoke reflections, laying the groundwork for transformative change. Transformative change refers to a profound shift in the way we perceive and interact with the world, encouraging a re-evaluation of our values, behaviours, and systems. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we hence aim to develop new perspectives and innovative solutions to the complex challenges as well as potentials that extreme environments pose.
In this context, scientific discoveries serve as a catalyst for artists, inspiring them to create works that challenge our habitual geographical imaginaries. These artistic expressions encourage deeper contemplation about our interconnectedness with nature, the implications of technological advancements, and our place within the universe. Through this synergy we hope to foster a more holistic understanding and appreciation of the world, ultimately driving meaningful and lasting change that will vessel us in a world of mitigation.
Establishing a strong transdisciplinary network
The meeting in Vienna helped identify potential collaborators from the University of Vienna, encouraging connections that could enhance this interdisciplinary network.
The project's fundamental goal is to establish a foundation for a network that will bring together interested researchers, artists, and stakeholders for interdisciplinary exchanges and activities focused on exploring new ways to understand, represent, communicate, and engage with extreme marine environments.
The foundation of this new network started with three partners: UiT, the Arctic University of Norway, the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, and the University of Iceland. The lead participants in the project from each of these partner organisations encompass competencies across the main fields of the project’s interdisciplinary approach: Marine geology (Prof. Giuliana Panieri, Department of Geosciences, UiT), Cultural History of the Arctic Region (Prof. Audur Audalsteinsdottir, director, University of Iceland Research Centre in Þingeyjarsveit), Environmental Aesthetics (Ass. Prof. Michael Kjær, Department of Arts and Cultural Studies, University of Copenhagen)
The meeting gathered a diverse group of professionals such as geologists, biologists, social and environmental anthropologists, artists and cultural historians. This variety of backgrounds and expertise created a vibrant atmosphere for idea exchange. Each attendee shared their distinct perspective, thoroughly exploring the intricate connections between humans and the ocean. Their insights emphasised the crucial need to comprehend the links between marine ecosystems and human behaviour. The conversation was further enhanced by a combination of artistic expression and scientific understanding, resulting in a genuinely enlightening experience.
Preparing for upcoming initiatives: Co-Creation EXTREMES Workshops, EXTREMES marine expedition, ART Installation and children's activities.
The meeting in Vienna not only sparked interesting discussions but also established a foundation for future initiatives that promise to blend creativity and scientific inquiry with the intention to protect the uniqueness of our oceans.
Indeed, the team has begun an engaging discussion to formulate a plan for initiatives to come. Together, these initiatives will engage diverse audiences in understanding the scientific significance of these delicate ecosystems and the challenges associated with the increasing pressures of deep-sea mining as well as the expansion of oil and gas extraction.
Through interactive workshops, storytelling, art projects, and live performances, participants will learn about the ocean and develop a sense of responsibility to conserve it for future generations.
The first initiative planned in the project programme is scheduled for October 2025, when an EXTREMES co-creation workshop will be held in Iceland's stunning landscapes. Situated at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the landscapes of Iceland is directly linked with the deep-sea extreme environments, that will be the main locus of the projects field work. This workshop will be highly interactive, creating an environment where ideas can flourish and genuine dialogue thrive. Regarding this initiative, Ann Eileen Lennert, an environmental anthropologist at UiT and a member of the project, has suggested using live scribing for the upcoming workshops. This technique can transform spoken words and ideas into visual images in real-time, making the workshops more engaging and the discussions easier to follow. Scheduled for October 2025, these workshops will actively involve the local community, who will contribute with their knowledge to enrich the project.
In November 2025, the team will embark on the expedition EXTREMES25 aboard the research vessel RV Kronprins Haakon. This ambitious expedition is set to explore the fascinating and dynamic deep-sea environments of cold seeps and hydrothermal vents within Norwegian territories, spanning from the Fram Strait to the Barents Sea. These unique underwater ecosystems are of significant scientific interest due to their complex biological communities and the role they play in global geochemical cycles. The expedition will bring together international students and professionals from different fields, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge and expertise can be shared.
In continuation of the marine expedition, an ART EXHIBITION is scheduled to be held in Iceland in 2026. This exhibition will be designed to engage the public and attract a broader audience, thereby raising awareness regarding the project's significance and the urgent need to understand the ecobiological uniqueness of extreme marine environments.
All of these initiatives will encompass a variety of performing and artistic activities aimed at actively engaging children in exploring the ocean's beauty and diversity. These activities will stimulate their imagination and visual perception, enabling them to create vivid mental pictures of marine life and ecosystems. Furthermore, these initiatives will encourage children to grasp the importance of protecting our oceans and advocating sustainable practices that benefit the planet.