Two students from Monaco are set to join an Arctic expedition this summer, following the launch of the 16th edition of the Students on Ice  programme. 

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation officially opened the 2026 competition on 11th February at the Rainier III High School auditorium, with students from all three of the Principality’s secondary schools in attendance.

Run by the foundation since 2008, the programme sends two students each year to the Canadian Arctic, where they join an international expedition alongside scientists, educators and Indigenous communities. To date, thirty students have already taken part.

Now, this year’s expedition is scheduled to run from 19th July to 3rd of August. Geoff Green, founder of the Students on Ice Foundation, addressing the students by video, highlighted the importance of “supporting an inspiring young people” to protect the polar regions.

The Foundation’s Scientific Director, Dr Philippe Mondielli, also highlighted the organisation’s broader Polar Initiative, which connects scientific research with diplomatic efforts on climate. He mentioned two projects, the Tara Polar Station, a drifting research base studying the Arctic Ocean, and Ice Memory, a global archive of ice cores stored in Antarctica.

Students who attended also had the chance to hear from last year’s winners, Alexandrine Noghès and Carolina Massey, who recounted their encounters with Inuit communities and elaborated on the scientific work carried out aboard the expedition ship.

Applications for the 2026 competition are open until March 2nd. Candidates who are interested to apply must submit a personal essay setting out their own ideas for tackling environmental challenges. In return, the students will be named ambassadors for environmental protection

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Main photo credit: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco