PhD research school in interdisciplinary Arctic studies

Climate Talks 2022: “From Thule to MOSAiC”
75 years of French and German Arctic Research
More information of the event on 12 December 2022, 18:00 h, French embassy in Berlin, please see here ...

Official opening of PACCS on 6 October 2021, 18:00 h, at Langenbeck-Virchow-Haus in Berlin-Mitte.
Information on the public evening event with international guest see here...

PhD research school 2021 - 2024

“Perceiving Arctic Change – Climate, Society and Sustainability (PACCSS)"

Franco – German – cooperation project of
Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris Saclay, France, and
Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany

Funded by Franco-German University Saarbrücken 

This new research school in Arctic transdisciplinary research is the first Franco-German initiative in the field of polar research, linking the doctoral training of the two countries in this rapidly developing field.
The Arctic has increasingly moved into the international spotlight in recent decades, partly because of the particularly striking impact of climate change on humans and the environment there.
Today, the Arctic is affected by a warming twice as strong as the global mean temperature of the Earth and is considered an early warning system of global climate change.
Inspired by a team of renowned and internationally known Franco-German scientists, the PhD research school enables the connection and complementation of Franco-German excellence in the field of Arctic research and is highly recommended for PhD students.

PACCSS provides:

  • excellent research infrastructure and supportive environment
  • a structured training and supervision
  • a broad range of interdisciplinary courses
  • intercultural exchange and training


Areas of studies:

  • climate dynamics (e.g., earth system modelling, atmosphere, trace gases)
  • geology (e.g., permafrost)
  • glaciology (e.g., ice core analysis)
  • anthropology
  • literature and cultural studies
  • geopolitics and many more

PACCSS is embedded in the “Gateway to the Arctic” research atelier and covers following topics
Arctic climate change

  • impact on indigenous communities
  • the historical view on the Arctic
  • science diplomacy as integral part of modern science
  • knowledge transfer


PACCSS offers:

  • annual Gateway workshops in collaboration with Arctic stakeholders
  • structured PhD educational program
  • research stays and exchange with France
  • broader view on Arctic studies and life

Who can apply:

  • first year PhDs with research focus on Arctic studies / change
  • students with interest in inter-/transdiciplinary education
  • engaged scientist who aim to explore new fields on intercultural exchange


Apply now:

  • Deadline for application 20. September 2021
  • For application please send a CV and short motivation letter to renate.treffeisen(at)awi.de or klaus.grosfeld(at)awi.de

Spokesperson and contact

Prof Dr Jan Borm:
jan.borm(at)uvsq.fr

Dr Renate Treffeisen:
renate.treffeisen(at)awi.de

Dr Klaus Grosfeld:
klaus.grosfeld(at)awi.de