JARDFEINGI

Their core work

Jarðfeingi is the Faroe Islands' national geological and environmental survey authority, responsible for earth science research, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management in this North Atlantic sub-Arctic territory. Within H2020, they contribute Arctic and sub-Arctic environmental monitoring capabilities and field station infrastructure to pan-European research networks. They also participate in polar education initiatives, bringing unique Faroese perspectives on Arctic science to international STEM programmes.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early H2020 involvement (2016-2019) centred on polar education and public engagement, with EDU-ARCTIC focusing on STEM skills, e-learning, and attracting young people to Arctic science. Over time, their focus shifted decisively toward research infrastructure and environmental monitoring, with the second INTERACT phase (2020-2024) emphasising integrated pan-Arctic infrastructure, societal challenges, and policy-relevant research. This evolution suggests a move from outreach and capacity-building toward becoming a more operational node in Arctic research networks.

Jarðfeingi is consolidating its role as a sub-Arctic research station provider within large pan-European infrastructure networks, increasingly focused on integrated monitoring and policy-relevant environmental assessment.

How they like to work

Jarðfeingi exclusively participates as a partner, never coordinating — consistent with a specialised national institution contributing unique geographic assets (Faroese field sites) to large international consortia. With 73 unique partners across 18 countries from just 3 projects, they operate in very large networks, likely providing transnational access to their monitoring stations rather than driving project design. This makes them a reliable, low-overhead partner who brings geographic uniqueness rather than project management ambition.

Despite only 3 projects, Jarðfeingi has collaborated with 73 unique partners across 18 countries, reflecting their participation in large pan-Arctic research infrastructure consortia that span Scandinavia, Western Europe, and Arctic nations.

What sets them apart

Jarðfeingi offers something almost no other partner can: access to sub-Arctic field sites in the Faroe Islands, a remote North Atlantic archipelago with unique geological and ecological conditions. For any consortium needing monitoring stations or environmental data between Iceland and Scandinavia, they fill a critical geographic gap. Their dual capability in both research infrastructure and polar education also makes them valuable for projects requiring public engagement or outreach components.

Highlights from their portfolio

• INTERACT
  Long-running pan-Arctic infrastructure network spanning two H2020 phases (2016-2024), providing transnational access to terrestrial research stations across the Arctic — Jarðfeingi participated in both phases.
• EDU-ARCTIC
  Their largest single EC contribution (EUR 283,700), focused on an innovative educational programme for polar science — unusually large funding for an education-focused role.