John Pye Supports “Citizen Science” Arctic Research Expedition
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 3 July 2025
Nottingham-headquartered, national auctioneer John Pye Auctions has lent its support to The Arctic Research Group as it prepares for a crucial environmental research expedition to Tempelfjorden, Svalbard this summer.
The Arctic Research Group (ARG) organises and carries out scientific research expeditions in the High Arctic. A registered UK charity and non-profit, volunteer organisation, the ARG is carrying out work in collaboration with the University of Svalbard in Longyearbyen. The remote and uninhabited areas around Tempelfjorden are only accessible by sea in the summer, before the fjords ice over.
All the research work will be “citizen science”, carried out by interested amateurs, giving non-scientists an insight into some of the most pressing issues of the age, while carrying out very useful work in four key project areas.
From collecting data on climate change, glacier melting and ice pits, to monitoring beach rubbish and studying flora and fauna, the research team will build on research carried out over the last 40 years. The findings will be applicable world-wide to help inform solutions for tackling the effects of climate change, as well as helping to preserve ecosystems and natural habitats.
Adam Pye, Managing Director at John Pye, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing the negative impacts of climate change, we’re excited to be supporting the Arctic Research Group and their important project work that is making a real difference to the environment.”
The donation from the John Pye team will be used to purchase a new expedition tent, six survival/immersion suits and new scientific equipment. This will equip the team for this year’s expedition, as well as supporting the group for many years to come.
In 1988 Ian Frearson set up the Arctic Research Group with four core members chosen from those having taken part in previous trips to Svalbard and Alaska. The Group has since delivered ten further successful ARG expeditions and individual members have taken part in over 20 others, including two International EU funded research expeditions.
Dr Stephen Staley, the overall Group Leader said: “The Arctic Research Group would like to express our huge gratitude towards John Pye. This new, ongoing relationship will make an enormous difference to the ARG’s work, especially regarding the ability to plan future trips, knowing that we will have your support standing alongside our fieldwork research.”
The team of 10 taking part in the summer 2025 expedition come from all walks of life and include a wide age range, four have never taken part in an Arctic expedition before. An advance party will prepare everything for the arrival of the main expedition party which will take place during the month of July, with the advance party arriving in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, on 7th July.
For more information on John Pye Auctions and current auction listings, visit: www.johnpye.co.uk
For more information about The Arctic Research Group, visit https://www.arcticresearchgroup.org/.
