To Colombia to research climate change

In June 2025, the University of Akureyri proudly participated in the international field course “Tundra Meets the Páramo”, a collaborative research initiative focused on the impacts of climate change on cold ecosystems. The course brought together students and researchers from Iceland and Colombia to study high-altitude environments in Chingaza and Los Nevados National Parks.

Representing UNAK was Jóna Guðbjörg Guðmundsdóttir, a dedicated student who joined peers from other Nordic and Colombian institutions in exploring plant communities, soil processes, and herbivory patterns across diverse altitudinal gradients. The program also included cultural visits to Colombia’s coffee region and hands-on scientific activities supported by local universities and research institutes.

This unique opportunity was co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme and organized by the Agricultural University of Iceland in collaboration with Universidad del Rosario, Humboldt Institute, and Universidad EIA. UNAK’s involvement highlights its commitment to global research collaboration and sustainability education.