Auriane Herbaut, MSc

What’s the work that you do?

I am responsible for the management of the German-French research base AWIPEV in Ny-Ålesund and of its overwintering team. AWIPEV hosts more than 150 guests per year, which represents more than 3200 days of visitors occupancy. As Station Leader, I am responsible for safety, communication, HSE, administration, field support… for each one of these scientists. I also coordinate and support the 40 yearly international scientific projects that they are carrying. I am in charge of communication with the Norwegian society that administrates the village, as well as with the German (AWI) and French (IPEV) institutions, with public relations and media. I regularly conduct scientific measurements (such as atmospheric, cryospheric or permafrost measurements) and support long-term observation programs (control of instruments, data collection…).

What keeps you going?

I am driven by meeting the scientists here in Ny-Ålesund! They are so dedicated and passionate! I love discovering their research, understanding the evolution of climate, its impacts and the correlations between all the subjects that are studied in this scientific village. What they are doing is so important. I like to think that, somehow, I support them in their research. They contribute to a better understanding of our environment and its evolution. They work so hard to have their results shared and communicated, so that measures could be taken to preserve nature.

What’s your message to the world?

Please listen to scientists, they have been observing and studying for so long: They know what they are talking about. Please consider these landscapes that you like, these travels that you enjoy, these animals that fascinate you. They will deteriorate or disappear if we do not take any preservation measures for them. Please respect nature.

Please also hold on to your dreams. They will become true if you pursue them! Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Girls, women, you are just as capable as men. If they can go into space, to polar regions or underwater, you can do it too. Do not hold yourself back just because there is no female role model on the path you want to follow: You can do it!