In August, young women from across Central Asia embarked on an expedition in Ala-Archa National Park, Kyrgyzstan, as part of the “Adventure of Science: Women and Glaciers in Central Asia” program. This initiative addresses critical challenges related to the changing cryosphere — vital for water security and natural disaster prevention, such as Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) — while also promoting greater gender representation in STEM fields.
The program offers women aged 18-25 from Central Asia the unique opportunity to engage in a women-led glaciological expedition. Participants gain practical experience in scientific research, build confidence, and develop leadership skills, all while addressing critical environmental issues in the region.
This expedition was organized by the University of Fribourg, with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), UNESCO’s Almaty Regional Office, and in cooperation with the Central Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences (CAIAG). Guided by an all-women team of instructors, participants delved into topics such as GLOFs, climate change, and glaciology, while enhancing their disaster risk reduction and water management skills.
Laura Niggli, an instructor from the University of Zurich and a member of the GLOFCA project, shared her thoughts on the expedition: “It’s different from learning from books. Here we observe, touch, experience, investigate, understand, and internalize. It’s a privilege to live and share science like this. It’s amazing to see so many talented and inspiring young women from across Central Asia come together to learn about issues that concern us all, both as a society and as individuals in our daily lives.”
The “Adventure of Science: Women and Glaciers in Central Asia” is more than just a training program—it’s a movement to inspire and equip the next generation of women scientists. Read more about the expedition from the perspective of the program alumna here.
