Recently we signed an MOU with Aurora Arktika which formalizes the intent to work together in the future. Aurora Arktika, based in Ísafjörður, focuses on adventure tourism with their three sailboats (Aurora, Arktika, and Teista) and offers sail trips to East Greenland, Disco Bay, Jan Mayen, and Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords, along with sail-to-ski trips in Iceland in the winter, and a sailing class for beginners in the summer.

Owner and manager Inga Fanney Sigurðardóttir has over 20 years of experience in mountain guiding in Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Over the years, Inga Fanney noticed a growing interest in her clients in local environmental issues, and even the wish of some clients to be involved in data collection. This "citizen science" - the collection of scientific data by everyday citizens - is a natural connection between her company and UW. In fact, this approach is one that is increasingly integral to impactful scientific research.

In remote regions around the world, sustainable research platforms such as sailing vessels are being employed to gather and communicate interdisciplinary scientific information through data, photography, music, and local narrative storytelling. Especially in regions affected by climate change, it is essential to expand the scientific narrative to include many data parameters and individual perspectives. Our Coastal and Marine Management students often create masters research projects that focus on remote fjords which can be difficult to access, and having Aurora Arktika crew and clients collect samples while on their trips benefits both Aurora Arktika clients and UW students. Furthermore, Aurora Arktika is a locally-owned tourism operation that contributes to local jobs and helps construct the overall image of the Westfjords, topics that Coastal Communities and Regional Development students could use as a case study for research. We are excited about the future possibilities!