In the Footsteps of Explorers and Polar Researchers

Esther Horvath has been coming to Ny-Ålesund as a photographer for the Alfred Wegener Institute since 2019, and her work as a visual science storyteller has focused on polar and climate research for ten years.

She is fascinated by the dedication of the people who work here and by the spirit of the town, especially during the polar nights, when the community of 35-40 individuals keeps the village going and ensures that scientific measurements are consistently taken.
She feels there is a greater story to be told about Ny-Ålesund to the rest of the world, to decision-makers, politicians, and even future generations.

The goal of the project is to serve as a visual narrative that promotes understanding and urgency about climate change and the critical research being conducted in this remote, rapidly changing environment. The aim is to create a body of work as a record of the history of the people who work tirelessly to inform humanity about the state of the Arctic, the future of the polar region, and the impact of climate change on the planet.

With this project, Esther Horvath hopes not only to raise awareness of rapid climate change but also to humanize scientific efforts, making them more relatable and impactful to a broader audience. The project includes a series of portraits of female scientists: “Women of Arctic Science”. By featuring the lives, motivations, and work of these female role models, the collection intends to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists and explorers.