An international team of scientists has successfully completed the ‘GREAT’ (Greenland Spreading Zone: Exploring Extreme Habitats in Arctic Seamounts and Hydrothermal Vents) research expedition aboard Ireland’s national research vessel, the RV Celtic Explorer, following 18 days of operations in the Arctic Circle.
Led by Dr Diana Krawczyk from the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, the GREAT project brought together researchers from across Europe to investigate the Arctic marine environment, using advanced scientific equipment and expertise to support a greater understanding of this remote and changing region.
The expedition, funded through the Horizon Europe AQUARIUS Transnational Access programme, marks the second time Marine Institute research infrastructures have been accessed through AQUARIUS. The successful completion of the survey demonstrates the value of the programme in enabling international researchers to access world-class marine research facilities and expertise across Europe.
A key feature of the expedition was the successful integration of the RV Celtic Explorer and the University of Limerick ROV, demonstrating the compatibility of Irish marine research infrastructure with international scientific operations. Together, the crew, ROV operators and the scientific team enabled complex marine research operations in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.
The GREAT expedition highlights how AQUARIUS supports collaborative research by connecting scientists with leading European marine infrastructures. Through transnational access, the programme enables researchers to undertake ambitious projects that advance knowledge of ocean ecosystems and contribute to addressing global environmental challenges.
Coordinated by the Marine Institute, AQUARIUS brings together 45 partner organisations from across Europe to provide access to an integrated portfolio of world-class marine and freshwater research infrastructures. By supporting collaborative science and strengthening connections between researchers and facilities, AQUARIUS is helping to build a more comprehensive understanding of aquatic environments.
AQUARIUS Coordinator Aodhán Fitzgerald said: “The GREAT expedition is a great example of what AQUARIUS was established to achieve – bringing together international expertise, world-class marine infrastructure and cutting-edge technology to enable new research opportunities. The successful collaboration between the RV Celtic Explorer, the University of Limerick ROV and the international scientific team demonstrate the strength of Europe’s marine research community and the impact that shared access to infrastructure can have in advancing our understanding of the ocean.”
The arrival of the RV Celtic Explorer back into Killybegs marks the successful conclusion of the GREAT expedition and another milestone in the delivery of Horizon Europe AQUARIUS Transnational Access opportunities.
Scientists analysing survey data and monitoring ROV operations. Credit: GREAT Project.