- Written by Hannah O'Donnell - Sustainability and Community Impact Manager
- Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn
Opus Technology is proud to announce their support of and new funding for Polar Bears International (PBI), the only nonprofit organisation solely focused on the conservation of polar bears and the preservation of the sea ice they depend on. This funding will establish a new research fellowship dedicated to supporting emerging female scientists in polar bear science.
Why Polar Bears International?
Polar Bears International is the world’s leading science-based charity for polar bears. PBI collaborates with leading polar bear scientists from around the world working across the circumpolar Arctic to protect polar bears and their Arctic habitat. PBI is a 4-star rated charity (Charity Navigator) and a platinum seal of transparency holder (GuideStar).
What does Polar Bears International do?
Technology Innovations
Collaborating with creative partners to apply new technology in polar bear research and conservation. Current projects include synthetic aperture aircraft radar for detecting dens hidden under the snow, “Bear-dar” (A.I. radar) to detect approaching polar bears and help people and polar bears coexist, and “burr on fur” temporary tracking devices.
Population studies
Assessing polar bear numbers, size, health, movement patterns, and responses to shrinking sea ice.
Maternal Den Research
Denning is the most vulnerable time in a polar bear’s life; at best only 50% of cub’s survive their first year. This research helps understand the impact of climate warming on survival rates and provides insights into den selection and den-emergence behaviour. The findings can be passed on to policymakers to provide the best guidelines for the protection of mums and cubs.
Genetic Research
Answering key questions about the bears, gathering survival clues and other critical information.
Human Bear Coexistence
As sea ice declines and polar bears spend more time trapped on land due habitat loss, this project promotes safe coexistence between people and bears, including drawing on the deep knowledge of Indigenous peoples who have coexisted with them for thousands of years.
Zoo Based Studies
Collaborating with zoos across North America and Europe allows research projects that would be impossible to conduct with polar bears in the wild.
PBI’s Commitment to Conservation
Opus technology’s CEO Michael O’Donnell and his wife Melissa have supported PBI since their first visit to Churchill, Manitoba in 2007. Through their charitable contributions, they are long-standing champions ofpolar bear conservation and, equally importantly, the sea ice we desperately need to maintain a liveable climate for all of us.
With this new 3-year sponsorship agreement with PBI, they are extending their commitment further, by including all team members at Opus in their vision of bringing new resources to support research, education and policy-making for polar bears and, importantly, the environment they live in.
They hope everyone at Opus will be engaged and excited about the vision and support of cutting-edge, science-based research for polar bear wellbeing and the incredible and valuable environment they live in. Protecting the Arctic, its wildlife and communities is relevant to all peoples, not just those who live in these areas. What is important for them is important for us all!
“As a managed service provider, we understand how technology acts as a powerful force for change across the globe. Funding a new fellowship position will help us build on our commitment to Polar Bears International, an organisation we have a vested interest in supporting. The new position will enhance PBI’s conservation efforts to protect polar bears and the Arctic sea ice for the future of us all. I am so proud that our business can be part of PBIs mission, aligning with our vision to create a sustainable future.”
Michael O’Donnell, CEO
What will the partnership between Opus and PBI achieve?
By sponsoring PBI, Opus is expanding its technology-driven approach to support innovative scientific research. While Opus’ primary business revolves around delivering cutting-edge technology solutions for businesses, our commitment to supporting environmental conservation is a natural extension of our core values.
As the relationship between technology and conservation grows increasingly important, Opus is proud to support efforts that address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, particularly one that affects us all, climate change.
This investment by Opus is one of the largest made by a European company in PBI’s work, of which all at Opus should be incredibly proud.
The fellowship will meet PBI’s long-standing goal to launch an ongoing research fellowship programme which will allow them to retain valued talent in research, science and outreach, whilst simultaneously expanding their research presence and connections in Europe, notably in Svalbard, Norway. It also enables PBI to retain high-level energy modelling expertise in the polar bear world. Finally, and pivotally, PBI can invest in foundational research and next-generation science.
To be known as the OPUS FELLOWSHIP, the first fellowship recipient is Dr Louise Archer.
Louise originates from Ireland and completed her BSc in Zoology at Cork University, MSc in computational biology at Imperial College London, and PhD in Ecology Cork University.
Louise’s Postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto focused on using biogenetic theory to develop models of polar bear energy uptake and expenditure (termed energy budgets). These energy budget models will be used to forecast how polar bear reproduction, survival and population dynamics will be affected by future sea ice loss to aid in pro-active conservation efforts.
This fellowship allows Louise to stay within the PBI family, something that, due to her incredibly valuable work, PBI members were very keen to achieve.
This collaboration reflects Opus’ commitment to applying innovation and technology in new, impactful ways to support global conservation efforts.
Stay tuned for some regular updates about how our support is helping towards vital research of understanding the impact climate change has on the polar bear populations and how technology is enabling them to track and monitor them going forward.
Dates to Remember:
- Polar Bear Week: 27th October – 2nd November, 2024 | 2nd – 8th November 2025
- International Polar Bear Day: 27th February
- Arctic Sea Ice Day: 15th July.
Please visit Polar Bears International’s website for more information and inspiration.
Other Ways to Engage:
- Polar Bear Cams are running now! Take a look and encourage your children and others to view wild polar bears too!
- Track polar bears’ movements across Hudson Bay, Canada on PBI’s Polar Bear Tracker.
- Read the latest annual newsmagazine featuring an article co-written by Dr Louise Archer.
- Check out their “Just for Kids” section of their website that offers engaging content for young polar bear lovers.
- Watch their Tundra Connection webcasts and live chats for Arctic inspiration for all age groups.
- Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Youtube.
