Swiss Alps Fieldwork 2025

Post Date: October 10, 2025

Author: Pia Ataka (Hokkaido University)

From August 23 to September 6, 2025, we participated in a fieldwork program in the Swiss Alps. Hokkaido University has conducted this program since 2006, and this year, it was organized in collaboration with the ArCS III Human Resource Development Program and the Hokkaido University Learning Satellite Program. Thanks to favorable weather, we were able to successfully complete the planned activities.

As part of the joint initiative between ArCS III and Hokkaido University, applications were open nationwide. Eight master’s students were selected to participate: five from Hokkaido University, one each from Chiba University, the University of Tokyo, and the Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI). The participation of students from different universities provided valuable opportunities for interaction, allowing students with diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and perspectives through discussions and collaborative work.

The program began at ETH Zurich, where students attended glacier-related lectures delivered by two local researchers (Photo 1). Afterwards, we moved to Grindelwald and visited the Jungfraujoch High-Altitude Research Station (Sphinx). There, station staff guided us and explained life at the station, as well as the meteorological observations and instruments used (Photo 2).

Then, we continued to the Rhône Glacier, where our field observations focused on glacier landforms and mountain environments. Specific activities included measuring lake water pressure (Photo 3), conducting GPS observations on the glacier (Photo 4), and measuring river discharge (Photo 5). The students analyzed these data in four groups, and on the final day each group presented their results (Photo 6). Through these activities, students collected fundamental data to better understand glacier dynamics and the surrounding environment. Participants also had the chance to　experience the local nature and culture, making the program not only a scientific investigation but also a multifaceted learning opportunity.

In the evenings, the students played an Arctic-themed board game that they had brought with them and discussed environmental issues and resource use. This helped deepen interaction among participants and also provided an opportunity to talk about their own research and future career paths, making it a truly meaningful experience (Photo 7).