Student Education, Development of Professional Skills, and Networking across the Arctic (SEDNA) – Permafrost Networking Platform is an international, pan-Arctic initiative dedicated to supporting students and early-career scientists working in the broad field of permafrost science.

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This project focuses on developing national and international professional exchange opportunities (internships) in permafrost science for students at all levels of higher education, including Indigenous students. Given the limited number of frozen-ground-specific courses in most academic programs, there is a clear need for internships that offer hands-on experience in this field.

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Supported by Memorial University and the University of the Arctic (UArctic) through the Global Arctic Leadership Initiative – Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Fund, the SEDNA project brings together a diverse network of permafrost professionals, research centers, academic groups, government agencies, and industry partners. Its mission is to provide students with real-world, professional experiences in permafrost science.

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Building on the success of the PermaIntern program (2022–2024) across the Nordic region, the SEDNA Permafrost Networking Platform will expand its reach to include partners from Canada, with a particular focus on involving Northern and Indigenous community members as both trainees and mentors.

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