In an interview with UiT and Polhavet 2050, Bluhm says she is looking forward:
– With my experiences from 7 years in the Nansen Legacy project in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean, I believe I can contribute to the programme with both knowledge and enthusiasm, says Bodil Bluhm, professor at the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology.

The massive research project, which is national and the largest in Norway's history, will set sail already in May 2026 and have a special focus on the lesser-known, central, and deep part of the Arctic Ocean – as well as its connections to adjacent areas.
– In 2026, we are preparing the transition from the preparatory phase, where the working group is developing a 10-year plan and a 3-year implementation plan, to the operational phase. We are doing this with the newly established leadership team consisting of Arild Sundfjord (NP), Asgeir Sørensen (NTNU), Elana Rowe (NUPI) and Helene Langehaug (NERSC), as well as research leaders and their deputies. Since the programme office will be at UiT at the BFE faculty, it was natural to have the interim leadership there as well, says Bluhm.

– I am humbled by this opportunity and a little overwhelmed by the scope of the tasks ahead of us. But I look forward to turning «team work to dream work», she says. 

The position Bluhm is acting in will be advertised during January with the aim of having a project leader in place during the autumn.

– The fact that Bodil has agreed to step in as acting leader of the programme is absolutely central and important for the start-up. She is an internationally highly recognised and respected researcher in the field with extensive experience from polar regions. She has also been central in the recently completed Nansen Legacy project, and therefore has much relevant experience both academically and organisationally, says Jørgen Berge, chairman of Polhavet 2050 and Vice-Rector for Research and Development at UiT.