Green light for Galathea 3

Today the financial committee approved the Galathea 3 expedition, the largest Danish research expedition in more than 50 years. The approval carries with it state support to the tune of DKK 60 million for re-fitting of a former naval inspection vessel. Vædderen (The Ram) will be the platform for the ocean-bound project from August 2006.

Dato 27.10.2005

“This is an important day for Danish research,” said Helge Sander, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation.  “The approval shows that Parliament is buying into this collective national effort to enrich Denmark’s scientific capabilities.  Not least because many scientists will have an opportunity to consolidate their vision in practical research, something fundamental to our social development and wellbeing.  It also bodes well for the recruitment of future scientists.  Galathea 3 is a people’s project, destined to awaken interest in modern science, especially amongst younger generations.”

 The agreement also gives the go-ahead for collaboration with Danish media: Det Berlingske Officin, Jyllands-Posten, Politiken/TV2 Vejret and Ingeniøren will be taking part in the enterprise.

Media coverage is expected to be as broad as possible and will target children and students especially. Talks are underway with educational publishers to develop teaching material for both primary and secondary schools.

The Danish Exploration Foundation is behind the planning and execution of Galathea 3 and is currently busy examining applications for its projects. Morten Melgaard, the Foundation’s director, says: “We have received an appraisal of all 124 proposals from Det Frie Forskningsråd (the independent research division of the Danish Research Agency). Their recommendations are of course extremely influential in the final decision.  We hope to be able to contact all applicants with a decision in early December”.

The Foundation is also striving to secure private financing from several institutions.  A further DKK 73 million is required to furnish and supply the ship, as well as to support the projects themselves”.

Further information from Director Morten Meldgaard, Dansk Ekspeditionsfond,

 Tel: +45 35 32 41 76