ScaliFar 2026 - A Scalidophora PhD and Master’s course in the Faroe Islands
ScaliFar is a PhD- and Master’s course about systematics, morphology and ecology of the scalidophoran taxa, Kinorhyncha, Loricifera and Priapulida. The course is organised within the UArctic Network, and in collaboration with the University of the Faroe Islands, Faroe Island’s National Museum, BioFar, the Natural History Museum of Denmark and four additional universities and research institutions.
The course is a one-week’s field course and takes place in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands on July 15 to 22, 2026.
Contents:
ScaliFar PhD and Master’s course offers an introduction to the study of the scalidophoran taxa, and combine practical fieldwork (collecting from ship, and sample processing), laboratory exercises (picking, preparing and identifying animals), and theoretical lections (scalidophoran systematics, morphology and ecology, and an introduction to the marine life of the Faroe Islands). The course is evaluated through oral presentations delivered by students at the end of the course, and the workload is estimated to 3 ECTS. Admission to the course covers travel, accommodation, and lunch + dinner throughout the course period.
Application:
Applicants to the course should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, and they should have completed at least 4 years of biology studies. Priority will be given to students from Arctic or sub-Arctic institutions, students already involved in Arctic research, or students with an academic profile related to Arctic studies. Applications should include 1) motivation letter (1 page), 2) reference letter from supervisor, 3) bachelor's/master’s diploma and documentation for 4 years of biology studies. The motivation letter should explain why you are interested in participating, and include a short description of your study background with emphasis on the prioritised admission criteria.
Application deadline is November 24, 12:00 CET, and applications should be sent by email to Martin V. Sørensen (e-mail: mvsorensen@snm.ku.dk).
Inquiries regarding the course can be directed to the same address. All applicants will be notified about admission on December 15, 2025.
From the ScaliFar team - Anni Durhuus, Sunnvør K. í Kongsstovu, Birna Vár, Trygvadóttir Fjallstein, Aki Vang, Andreas Altenburger, Joel Vikberg Wernström, Vanessa Pitusi, Peter Funch, Kasia Grzelak, María Herranz, and Martin V. Sørensen