16TH INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SCHOOL
IRScool 2026 Projects (Vol.11): Permafrost Detectives
28th of June 2026
Today we present the last – but not the least important – project on our long list. This one is titled "Permafrost Detectives: In Search of Melting and Microplastics" and is inviting participants aged 12 to 16 to become environmental detectives in the heart of Siberia, in the remote region of Yakutia.
Yakutia's permafrost is far more than just frozen ground—it serves as a natural climate record and a protective capsule for ancient ecosystems. However, as global temperatures continue to rise, this frozen giant is awakening, releasing not only greenhouse gases but also modern environmental threats like microplastics that have been trapped in the ice for decades. The "Permafrost Detectives" project will tackle this silent crisis head-on, offering teenagers the chance to engage in hands-on scientific research that has real-world relevance.
During the school session, the participants will learn to extract synthetic polymers from soil and water samples using density separation techniques with salt solutions—a fundamental method in environmental chemistry. Once the microplastics are isolated, students will use digital microscopy to observe, identify, and classify their findings, documenting the extent of contamination hidden beneath the surface. But the research does not stop there. The young scientists will also investigate how human-made "heat islands"—such as roads, buildings, and other infrastructure—accelerate permafrost thaw. The team will conduct field measurements of ground temperatures and thaw depths, collecting critical data that will feed into their final deliverable: an Environmental Health Map highlighting zones most at risk of thawing. This map is designed to serve as a practical tool for local communities and researchers alike.
The project will be guided by a dedicated team of tutors. Anastasia Serova, a geography student from the Higher School of Economics, will contribute her expertise in GIS mapping and microclimate analysis; Kirill Zenin, a geophysicist and pedagogy student, will bring his unique blend of earth science and educational practice; and Olivia Reyna Sánchez, a Mexican scientist with a Ph.D. in Tropical Ecology and over 15 years of experience in metabolomics and environmental conservation, will inspire participants with her passion for sustainability and scientific diplomacy.
Join the "Arctic Eco-Patrol" and become an environmental detective in the heart of Siberia! And to learn more about the project, visit https://irschool.org/project_permafrost.
Yakutia's permafrost is far more than just frozen ground—it serves as a natural climate record and a protective capsule for ancient ecosystems. However, as global temperatures continue to rise, this frozen giant is awakening, releasing not only greenhouse gases but also modern environmental threats like microplastics that have been trapped in the ice for decades. The "Permafrost Detectives" project will tackle this silent crisis head-on, offering teenagers the chance to engage in hands-on scientific research that has real-world relevance.
During the school session, the participants will learn to extract synthetic polymers from soil and water samples using density separation techniques with salt solutions—a fundamental method in environmental chemistry. Once the microplastics are isolated, students will use digital microscopy to observe, identify, and classify their findings, documenting the extent of contamination hidden beneath the surface. But the research does not stop there. The young scientists will also investigate how human-made "heat islands"—such as roads, buildings, and other infrastructure—accelerate permafrost thaw. The team will conduct field measurements of ground temperatures and thaw depths, collecting critical data that will feed into their final deliverable: an Environmental Health Map highlighting zones most at risk of thawing. This map is designed to serve as a practical tool for local communities and researchers alike.
The project will be guided by a dedicated team of tutors. Anastasia Serova, a geography student from the Higher School of Economics, will contribute her expertise in GIS mapping and microclimate analysis; Kirill Zenin, a geophysicist and pedagogy student, will bring his unique blend of earth science and educational practice; and Olivia Reyna Sánchez, a Mexican scientist with a Ph.D. in Tropical Ecology and over 15 years of experience in metabolomics and environmental conservation, will inspire participants with her passion for sustainability and scientific diplomacy.
Join the "Arctic Eco-Patrol" and become an environmental detective in the heart of Siberia! And to learn more about the project, visit https://irschool.org/project_permafrost.
