- Written by Hannah O'Donnell - Sustainability and Community Impact Manager
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Opus Technology’s partnership with Polar Bears International. The Opus fellowship update and visit from the charity
Release Date: 6th February 2025
Opus Technology, the UK’s largest independently owned managed service provider, based in Reigate, Surrey UK is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of Polar Bears International (PBI), the world’s only nonprofit organisation solely dedicated to the conservation of Polar Bears and the preservation of their crucial sea ice habitat. With a generous new funding initiative, Opus will sponsor a research fellowship to support emerging female scientists specialising in polar bear science, furthering groundbreaking research and conservation efforts. PBI are on a European visit and Opus’ will be hosting them at their headquarters to provide staff with an exclusive Lunch & Learn and the first in their community series.
What do Polar Bears International do?
PBI is a science-based organisation that focuses on both the long- and short-term challenges that polar bears face. They work to motivate action on the overarching threat to polar bears—climate change—and strive to maintain healthy populations in the short term. This includes coexistence efforts to keep polar bears and people safe, and projects to protect polar bear moms and cubs during the vulnerable denning period. In addition, they support long-term foundational research that answers key questions about polar bears and provides information on how the bears are faring.
Collaborating with creative partners to apply new technology in polar bear research and conservation, some of PBI’s current tech projects include synthetic aperture aircraft radar to locate 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 to understand the movement patterns of two little-studied groups: adult males and young bears.
PBI’s research efforts range from tracking polar bear populations to monitor their numbers, health, and movement in response to shrinking sea ice to genetics research that provides key survival insights. Additionally, their collaborations with zoos enable unique studies that can’t be conducted in the wild, broadening our understanding of polar bear behaviour and health.
Commitment to Conservation and Environmental Stewardship
Michael O’Donnell, CEO of Opus Technology, and his wife Melissa have long supported PBI since their first visit to Churchill, Manitoba in 2007. Their ongoing commitment, further extended by this three-year partnership, includes engaging Opus’ team members in meaningful conservation efforts.
“As a managed service provider, we recognise the transformative role of technology worldwide. Funding this fellowship allows us to deepen our commitment to PBI, supporting their mission to protect polar bears and the Arctic sea ice that sustains them,” said Michael O’Donnell. “I am incredibly proud that Opus can contribute to such an impactful cause, aligning with our vision for a sustainable future.”
Introducing the Opus Fellowship
The Opus Fellowship, the first of its kind, will be awarded to Dr. Louise Archer, an accomplished scientist from Ireland with expertise in polar bear energy modelling. Dr. Archer’s work on biogenetic energy budgets is pivotal for understanding how polar bears may be impacted by continued sea ice loss. Through this fellowship, she will remain part of the PBI research community, expanding her work on forecasting polar bear population dynamics—a critical factor for proactive conservation planning.
This new fellowship underscores Opus Technology’s commitment to advancing conservation through technology. The partnership with PBI marks one of the most significant investments by a European company in PBI’s efforts, and Opus is proud to play a leading role in supporting impactful environmental research.
Stay tuned for regular updates as Opus and PBI share insights from the field, revealing how technology is empowering the fight to preserve the polar bear population and their Arctic home.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Opus Technology
Opus Technology, established in 1992, is a Reigate (Surrey UK) based independent provider of comprehensive technology solutions. Their offerings include communications, collaboration, contact centre, mobile, IT, document management, and security services for both public and private sector organisations.
Opus’ mission is to enable businesses to succeed and thrive by delivering tailored end-to-end solutions that enhance their operational efficiency and innovation. Their vision is centred around growth and excellence, with a strong emphasis on innovation, customer success, and a collaborative culture.
Opus’ core values, referred to as “The Opus Way,” guide their daily operations and strategic decisions. These values reflect their commitment to integrity, innovation, customer-centricity, and teamwork, helping them foster a culture of growth and excellence within the organisation.
About Polar Bear International
Polar Bears International’s mission is to conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on. The organization works to inspire people to care about the Arctic, the threats to its future, and the connection between this remote region and our global climate. Polar Bears International is the only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to wild polar bears and Arctic sea ice, and the staff includes scientists who study wild polar bears. The organization is a recognized leader in polar bear conservation. For more information, visit www.polarbearsinternational.org.
Contact:
Hannah O’Donnell, Impact and Sustainability Manager – Opus Technology
0207 494 8282
Polar Bears International Media Contacts
Annie Edwards, for Polar Bears International
Melissa Hourigan, for Polar Bears International
