Press release from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation

A new Danish voyage of scientific discovery, Galathea 3, has been given government support in the form of a DKK 2 million grant for initial planning. The forerunners of this trip were Galathea 1 and 2, which circumnavigated the world in 1845 and 1950 respectively, visiting some of the old Danish colonies. Both voyages contributed significantly to scientific knowledge.

Dato 25.8.2004

Galathea 3 will break new ground by visiting Antartica.  Former Court Chamberlain Søren Haslund-Christensen heads the planning effort and the expedition is expected to take place from August 2006 to February 2007.

The venture will strengthen interest in science amongst young people and will provide valuable insight into issues such as development and globalisation in today’s high technology society, says science minister Helge Sander.

The Danish paper Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten came up with the inspiration for this third expedition, a modern re-enactment of the previous voyages but with two new aims: the first an application of modern scientific and high-tech tools to both previously visited and new sites; the second to communicate from this unique platform showing research in action, with emphasis on natural sciences.

Present-day technology will make the venture all encompassing in terms of media: press, television, radio, e-learning and the internet will play inter-acting parts.  Children and adults of all ages will witness the unfolding of the expedition from their living room or computer desk.

The government will set up a foundation for planning, finance and support of the expedition.  The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries is offering the Dana exploration ship for the mission, which will be financed by a number of organisations, both public and private.

Further information can be obtained from bureau chief Thorkild Meedom, telephone: + 45 3392 9930, e-mail: tme@vtu.dk.