Science on the field: collecting data in extreme environments

On October 7, several members of the Earth and Life Institute attended the premiere of IMAQA's documentary “Something in the Water”, a story of scientific data collection in a particularly hostile environment.

The non-profit organization IMAQA contributes to advancing scientific research by providing researchers with significant support for collecting data and samples in extreme, hard-to-reach locations around the world.

Without IMAQA, these data could probably never be collected, as scientists are not generally trained to set up expeditions in places with extreme living conditions.

“Something in the Water” is the story of one such expedition, in Greenland's “dark zone”, an area that is warming much faster than the rest of the globe.

To combat climate change, it is necessary to objectively measure global warming and document losses. These samples are therefore absolutely crucial to collect. This is where the collaboration between scientists and adventurers really takes on its full meaning.

The screening of the film's premiere was followed by a discussion with the geologist researcher Sophie Opfergelt, RTBF's journalist Patrice Goldberg, teacher Ismail Al Mokhlis Chaouni, and several members of IMAQA: Gilles Denis, Alexandre Buslain, and Kyril Wittouck. 

An exhibition of the most beautiful photos from IMAQA's latest expeditions was also on display, providing an opportunity to recall in images the beauty that can be found in nature and why it must be protected.

The trailer of the film “Something in the Water” (French) is available here and below. The full film will soon be released. 

IMAQA offers its services to numerous researchers seeking to collect data or samples in hard-to-reach locations. Do not hesitate to contact them if you think you could benefit from their expertise.

Article: Emmeline Van den Bosch

Cover photo: IMAQA Expeditions

Photos in the article: Emmeline Van den Bosch, except for photos followed by the note IMAQA Expeditions