Why Viking
IAATO & AECO
Viking is a member and operator with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). We work closely with these leading organizations to ensure we employ best travel practices, promote awareness, support scientific research, and protect the fragile ecosystems and environments in which we travel.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Ornithologists are regularly on board Viking’s expedition vessels, undertaking post-doctoral research on new observation methods and providing guest advice and interaction. During the inaugural season of Viking Expeditions, Cornell scientists conducted research on migratory bird distribution in Antarctica.
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University of Cambridge & Scott Polar Research Institute
Scientists will undertake fieldwork on board our expedition ships and join our voyages to share their expertise with our guests. Viking is sponsoring a Chair: Viking Professorship of Polar Marine Geo-science.
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UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI)
UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography works to understand and protect the planet and find solutions to pressing environmental challenges, while J. Craig Venter Institute is a leader in advancing the science of genomics to understand more about the biological world. On board our expedition ships, visiting scientists operate the Genomics at Sea Program (GASP) to research phytoplankton in polar regions and the Great Lakes through real-time eDNA sequencing utilizing the converted PCR lab on each vessel.
This is an extension of our collaboration with Fjord Phyto, a NASA-funded program by Scripps, which enables guests to participate in research and public education through novel citizen science sampling of polar phytoplankton.
