NOC partners with Augmentum to support Arctic mission

Researchers from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) have begun ground-breaking Arctic fieldwork in the fjords around Greenland, supported by Augmentum.

The team from NOC boarded Augmentum’s vessel MY AKULA in August to investigate the impact of glacial melt on Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) cycling and microbial biodiversity in Greenland’s Sermilik, Narsarsuaq and Qaqortoq fjords.

Melting Arctic glaciers release DOC, which could impact the growth of phytoplankton and bacteria. These foundation organisms form the base of the marine food web and play a critical role in regulating the ocean's carbon cycle.

The research expedition aims to characterise DOC sources, assess microbial biodiversity, and examine DOC’s role in fjord ecosystems. The findings will enhance scientific understanding of Arctic carbon cycling and the wider climate impacts as part of NOC’s Arctic Mission.

The Arctic region is critical to understanding climate change. Shifts in the Arctic environment are not only affecting the local population, but every person in the UK and across the planet, through rising sea levels, changes to our climate and weather patterns, and threats to biodiversity and services provided by the ocean.

Augmentum has committed funding for the next year to enable leading scientists to conduct this critically important research.

Dr Elena Garcia-Martin, Principal Investigator: Phytoplankton Dynamics at NOC, said: "We are immensely grateful to Augmentum and the MY AKULA crew for supporting this vital research. The Arctic is changing faster than almost anywhere else on Earth and understanding how glacial melt alters the ocean’s carbon cycle is crucial to predicting future impacts on our climate and ecosystems.
“This partnership allows us to carry out groundbreaking fieldwork, providing new data that will help scientists worldwide better understand the resilience, and vulnerability, of the Arctic Ocean.”

Mr. Braglia, Augmentum Coordinator, said: “We are proud to support this vital research mission led by the NOC. The melting of Arctic glaciers is not only a visible marker of climate change, but also a hidden force reshaping marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. Our support goes beyond funding — it represents an investment in the knowledge society urgently needs. By deepening our collective understanding of the Arctic’s role in regulating Earth’s climate, we can make better-informed choices for a sustainable future. We believe that partnerships between science and sponsors are essential to accelerate discovery, inspire action, and build resilience for generations to come.”

NOC has launched an ambitious Arctic Mission bringing together unique multi-disciplinary expertise and technologies to make an important contribution to the International Polar Year 2032/33. Find out more: Arctic Research | National Oceanography Centre

To discover more about the vital role of philanthropy in Arctic science and how you can support our work, contact Holly Evans, Head of Strategic Relationships at the National Oceanography Centre (holly.evans@noc.ac.uk).

ENDS

Notes to editors

For press enquiries, please contact: media@noc.ac.uk

About the National Oceanography Centre (NOC)

The UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is one of the world’s top ocean research institutions. NOC’s scientists work around the globe, uncovering links between the ocean, climate change and biodiversity loss, to help every living thing on our planet flourish.

NOC solves challenging multidisciplinary, large scale, long-term marine science problems to underpin international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

NOC is a company limited by guarantee set up under the law of England and Wales (11444362) and registered as a charity (1185265).

NOC operates the Royal Research Ships James Cook and Discovery and develops technology for coastal and deep ocean research. Working with its partners NOC provides long-term marine science capability including: sustained ocean observations, mapping and surveying; data management and scientific research and advice.

Among the resources that the NOC provides on behalf of the UK are the British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC), the Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (MARS) facility, the National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP), the National Tide and Sea Level Facility (NTSLF), the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level (PSMSL) and British Ocean Sediment Core Research Facility (BOSCORF).

About AUGMENTUM

Augmentum is a charitable platform dedicated to supporting game-changing projects that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen the connection with nature and our past.

Augmentum funds and collaborates with visionary individuals, grassroots initiatives, and forward-thinking organisations that challenge the status quo and create lasting, meaningful change. Whether it’s restoring ecosystems, preserving cultural traditions, advancing education, or fostering social equity, Augmentum champions projects that leave a positive legacy for future generations.

Augmentum’s work is driven by the belief that even the smallest actions can lead to profound transformation. With the right support, the right ideas, and a shared commitment to progress, we can create a world where people and nature thrive together.