A new outlook on scientific research

Galathea 3, the largest Danish research expedition in more than 50 years, sets sail in autumn 2006 for the world’s oceans carrying Danish research projects.

Dato 10.6.2005

An itinerary for the third Galathea exploration has been made and an invitation sent to researchers who may wish to take part in the voyage.

The course will initially be set for the North Atlantic, with stops in the Faeroe Islands and Greenland. Then the route will turn south, through the Mediterranean to the Arabian Gulf, the Bay of Bengal, the Indonesian Archipelago, the Solomon Islands and via Tasmania to Antarctica. The expedition will continue along the West Coast of South America to the Galapagos Islands, through the Panama Canal to the Caribbean, and concludes its circumnavigation of the globe with a crossing of the Atlantic.  It arrives back in Copenhagen in April 2007. Several stops are to be made along the voyage, which will be 34,000 nautical miles long. There may be opportunities for slight detours. 

Scientists themselves have provided input into the mapping of the trip. 2 September 2005 is the deadline for project applications.  These are expected to come mainly from the natural sciences but other scientific projects may be considered, where relevant to the geographical route.

“A well equipped research station that travels the world will appeal to various research teams and result in a diversity of participants.  To be chosen, projects must meet high standards,” says Morten Meldgaard, Director of the Danish Expedition Foundation.  "One of the aims of the undertaking is to show young people that research is exciting and fun; that researchers’ efforts bring great value to our everyday lives.”

Further information: Danish Expedition Foundation, Øster Voldgade 10, 1350 Copenhagen K, Tel: + 45 35 32 41 76 or e-mail info@Galathea3.dk