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Our future depends on the Arctic. This extreme ecosystem, with its unique biodiversity, is warming 3 to 4 times faster than the rest of the globe.

We are the last generation capable of observing and documenting this sanctuary of life. Tara Polar Station was born of this realization: the first drifting polar research base, which will study the Arctic over the next twenty years. Voluntarily trapped in the ice, this “ISS of the North Pole,” a project by the Fondation Tara Océan, will drift with the ice for cycles of one and a half years, taking on board scientists from all over the world.

Danièle Rod, Romain Troublé, and Julia Schmale, are the protagonists of this unprecedented French-Swiss international scientific collaboration and will be at the Fondation Opale to discuss the project, ongoing research, and the issues involved.

Program:

Danièle Rod, Director of the Swiss Polar Institute

  • Presentation of the Swiss Polar Institute and its role in polar research
  • Insights and challenges of scientific research from the Alps to the poles

Romain Troublé, Director of the Fondation Tara Océan

  • Presentation of the Fondation Tara Océan
  • Tara Polar Station: ship construction and challenges of polar drifting

Julia Schmale, Professor at EPFL, Director of the Extreme Environments Research Laboratory (EERL) – presentation in English

  • Presentation of EERL and its polar expeditions
  • Focus on atmospheric research during expeditions in extreme conditions

Free event
Reservation recommended, online ticketing

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GUIDED TOUR WITH CO-CURATORS & CONCERT

14.06.2026, 15:00 - 16:30
Discover the EMILY KAM KNGWARRAY exhibition with a guided tour led by Georges Petitjean and Kelli Cole, co-curators of the exhibition.
More info
OPENING DAY

ROUND TABLE

14.06.2026, 11:00 - 12:00
The opening day of the EMILY KAM KNGWARRAY exhibition will begin with a discussion between women artists from the Utopia community and Kelli Cole, co-curator of the exhibition.
More info

CREATIVE WORKSHOP (KIDS)

17.06.2026, 14:30 - 16:00
Fondation Opale organises two creative workshops for kids per month, in relation with the exhibition EMILY KAM KNGWARRAY.
More info
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