A Snapshot of Working in the Arctic  Research can try your
patience. It can be frustrating, tedious, demanding, exhausting
and occasionally even boring.  Some scientists, engulfed in
their specialized interests, can be introverted and difficult to
befriend.  In the tiny village of Ny-Ålesund, the strain and
anxiety of performing and maintaining world-class research is
magically transformed into enjoyment, mutual stimulation,
multicultural experiences and glee.  Ny-Ålesund is today a place
of creativity and scientific excellence. People go there to do
research and usually leave with new friendships that last for
life. To understand how this remote location can have such
extraordinary qualities we must look into its history and
remarkable heritage.  The island group of Svalbard has a unique
status under the Svalbard Treaty.  Svalbard was discovered by
the Dutch navigator and explorer Willem Barentsz in 1596. Since
the 17th century, people from many countries have been drawn to
Svalbard for whaling, fishing, min