Svalbard, July 7, 2025 – Researchers from the European project XTREAM, coordinated by the NORCE Research, are taking part this week in a scientific expedition to the Svalbard archipelago. The project aims to explore and harness the unique capabilities of microbial life in extreme aquatic environments, to develop innovative and sustainable biotechnological solutions for key sectors such as energy, health, and the environment. During the expedition, participants will receive both theoretical and practical training in Arctic microbiology as part of the Arctic Microbiology advanced course, delivered by the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS).
Over this week, the XTREAM team will receive theoretical instruction in Arctic microbiology and collect biological samples from its ecosystem, which includes acid mine drainages, permafrost and glaciers. These samples will then be analysed in the laboratory using innovative techniques in genomics and microfluidics to search for potential industrial uses.
One of the project’s innovative approaches is the use of drones paired with artificial intelligence systems. This technology enables pre-mapping of terrain conditions, identification of areas with a higher likelihood of microbial activity, and improved fieldwork planning. “Microbial life depends heavily on factors like sunlight, rainfall, and temperature,” says microbiologist Lise Øvreås, an expert in extreme environments from the UNIS and one of the lecturers of the course. “Drones help us anticipate conditions and spot microbial blooms to avoid unnecessary travel and work smarter and more efficiently.”
“This is a unique opportunity for researchers from around the world who are passionate about understanding how and why life develops in places where we thought it couldn’t,” Øvreås explains. “We assumed the extreme cold would mean low diversity, but it’s quite the opposite. Organisms here don’t just survive—they thrive. They’re incredibly active, abundant, and we still have much to learn about them.”
Svalbard draws scientific interest due to the wide range of ecosystems concentrated in a single region, home to microorganisms adapted to low temperatures, high salinity, extreme acidity, and nutrient scarcity. These traits make them valuable candidates for industrial applications. Øvreås gives an example: “Imagine being able to efficiently wash clothes at 15°C instead of heating water to 60°C.”
XTREAM actively contributes to the course as part of its academic programme. The expedition of its team to Svalbard reinforces Norway’s role as an international hub for Arctic research. Initiatives like this help train a new generation of international scientists specialised in extreme environments and contribute to developing sustainable, innovative technologies through a deeper understanding of nature.
About XTREAM
XTREAM’s a four-year research project funded by the European Union with €4.5 million. The consortium brings together 13 institutions from seven countries —Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, The United Kingdom, Iceland, and Ireland— including research centres, universities, and tech SMEs. The project is coordinated by NORCE Research (Norway).