What is it?

Please note that we have extended the application deadline to the 9th of June.

The Clean Planet Foundation has launched the Clean Planet Peninsula project in collaboration with polar adventurer, Antony Jinman Ed.D, and the UK Polar Network. The initiative aims to provide early career polar scientists with fieldwork experience whilst raising awareness of environmental challenges in the polar regions, particularly plastic pollution and climate change.

You can find more details on the Clean Planet website here: https://cleanplanet.com/peninsula 

Who is this course for?

The target audience for the Course is early career polar researchers based in the UK. To be eligible for the course applicants must be:

• Within five years of completing the most advanced degree
• Work on or study the polar regions 
• Have upcoming (in the next 12-18 mo.) polar fieldwork or have untapped opportunities to undertake polar fieldwork through their work or study
• Have previously not completed fieldwork training in the last 12 mo. 

To apply for this opportunity applicants must demonstrate the following:

• A vested interest in polar science
• How the course will open up fieldwork opportunities to them in areas of their interest
• The skills they will gain as a result of attending the Course
• The ways in which they will put into practice the skills acquired 
• How the course will impact their career and future goals

When and where is this course?

Dates: 31st July 2023 – 5th August 2023

The Course will be based from Whiteworks bunkhouse in Dartmoor. The bunkhouse is situated near Princetown and course content will be delivered outside in Dartmoor, indoors at the bunkhouse, and online. Some of the course content will be delivered via camping days in Dartmoor. 

The nearest train station is in Plymouth, and buses travel from a range of Devon cities and towns to Princetown. 

The course will run the first week in August with participants expected to arrive by 9am on 31st July. The accommodation will be available from the 30th of July to 6th of August. Course content will conclude by 5pm on the 5th of August. 

How much does this course cost?

The course is free to attend thanks to the sponsor. This covers accommodation, food, and local transport for all attendees, as well as expenses for course instructors. Attendees will need to fund their travel to and from a central location in Devon (ideally the Plymouth train station or Princetown). 

Some equipment will be provided such as tents, however attendees will need to bring individual clothes, boots, and packs. We will be helping attendees take advantage of gear rental programs in the event that you need appropriate equipment. All attendees will be provided with a recommended kit list ahead of the Course.  

The UK Polar Network can provide travel stipends to those who need them. We ask that if you are able to use any research or personal development funding to cover the costs of this course that you do so. We can provide confirmation of acceptance if your university or employer requests such documentation. We would like to do everything we can to avoid individuals paying for their travel expenses out of pocket and encourage you to provide details of your needs in the application form so that we can offer a direct full or partial stipend, or help you identify alternative travel funding sources.

What will the course cover?

Participants who undertake this course will be able to:

• Understand core concepts around climate change and plastic pollution impacts in the polar regions. 
• Plan polar fieldwork to a degree accepted by higher education and research institutions including understanding of multidisciplinary methodologies which may enhance their work and ensure it is conducted in an equitable way
• Demonstrate basic safety and hygiene in the field skills as well as appropriately equip themselves for a range of field conditions
• Conduct themselves with appropriate personal and social responsibility, and lead fellow team members when needed
• Communicate the outputs of their work to a range of technical and non-technical audiences
• Identify where to seek further training and support

Days 1 and 2: Theory based and activities around the accommodation

Days 3 and 4: Outdoor practical activities and overnight wild camp

Days 5 and 6: Theory based activities and wrap up at the accommodation

How do I apply to participate in this course?

To apply, individuals should fill in this application form no later than 11:59 pm BST 9th of June, 2023. (Please note the deadline extension!)

If the link above is not working for you, please copy and paste the url: https://forms.gle/STixs3mQ3HotAVsz5

If you have specific questions concerning the application form or Course, please email training@polarnetwork.org. 

Future Opportunities

This training opportunity is likely to lead onto further training opportunities in Scandinavia, and subsequently, research opportunities in the Arctic and Antarctic. There is no requirement that you participate in these future opportunities should you be selected for this training course, however we would strongly encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. 

If you are unable to partake in this UK based training course, the UK Polar Network hopes to run similar courses in the coming years in other locations across the UK. Please keep an eye out on our website and social media channels for these opportunities.