In December Margit Simon (NORCE) started as co-leader of the Global Climate research group.
Education:
-I'm a geologist and paleoclimatologist. I studied geology in both Germany (University of Tübingen) and Italy (University of Florence). My PhD research, conducted in the UK (University of Cardiff), investigated the ocean currents around South Africa and their far-field as well as local impacts on the climate system. I feel very fortunate that I have been able to obtain a highly international educational background because it has allowed me to learn from the best in the field and create an international network that I today benefit from.
Work experience:
-My research has been centered on improving our understanding of the Earth System processes controlling our climate in the past for better understanding how we as humans have and will in the future be affected by changing climate. With this focus, I have been able to combine what I am passionate about, namely the role of the ocean in our past, present and future climate system.
Recently, I have also taken on a leading role in coordinating the research initiative “ GoNorth” which aims to organize and launch a series of scientific expeditions into the Arctic Ocean. I enjoy bringing researchers together and strongly believe that the sum of everyone is larger than the sum of the individuals. For the Arctic, this is especially important because of the logistical challenges and costs related to doing science in the high North.
What will you bring into the new role you have at the Bjerknes Centre?
-I am a curiosity-driven scientist and passionate about paleoclimate research. I work on research projects in both hemispheres and a variety of topics and timescales. As such my role as co-leader of the global theme allows me to connect the paleoclimate research conducted at the Bjerknes Centre with the broader spectrum of climate science we do. I think interdisciplinary research collaborations are the future to inform decision-making and enhance our ability to manage and mitigate the risks associated with climate change.
Having been an active member of the Bjerknes Centre since 2015, I began my academic journey as a postdoc, allowing me to understand the potential challenges ECRs may face. I enjoy the conversations that I have had in recent years with many PhD students regarding their thoughts on careers and research. I therefore hope to continue to be a role model and to be someone that ECRs can reach out to for support and guidance. Because I feel that we all do better science when we all feel as a community, I am committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and supportive research community at BCCR.
What is important for you research-wise, going forward?
-Paleoclimate research provides important insights into the climate system's long-term behaviour and stability. Personally, I'm keen on advancing the utilization of paleoclimate data to validate and calibrate climate models at BCCR. This will bring together the key pillars that we as the BCCR community excel at. Moreover, I've recently joined the Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV) as a member representing Norway, the BCCR & NORCE. This collaborative community effort aims to address pressing knowledge gaps and research priorities in the Arctic for the next decade. Participating in ICARP IV allows me to share expertise, research findings, and perspectives with the broader Arctic research community, while also highlighting the exciting research conducted at BCCR.