The Patagonian Ice Fields Research Program is a transformative experience where Chilean and international students and professors can share, explore, and work for two weeks on the Patagonian Icefields.

The Patagonian Ice Fields Research Program revolves around three complementary objectives: Education, research, and community strengthening.

Although these objectives are cross-cutting, the first week emphasizes education. During this period, students learn to live and navigate in a natural and pristine glacier area, including safety measurements, leave-no-trace techniques and teamwork. Next, they learn to handle equipment used in glaciological and geomorphological investigations.

​Research takes center stage during the second week, when students use their learned skills to develop their research projects. Organized into groups, they carry out student-led state-of-the-art scientific projects under the guidance and supervision of professors specializing in glaciology and other earth sciences and a select group of mountain guides with extensive experience in Patagonia.

​The third objective of the program is to generate links between key actors for advancing science: local students, the international academic world and the local community. For this, the program incorporates local students of the Master in Antarctic Sciences with a mention in glaciology from Universidad de Magallanes and international students and professors, who establish deep and lasting ties during two intense weeks on the field in Patagonia. After the field activities, the students present their experiences to the local community. Once their research projects are finished, they have to show their results to the broader community of the area where the program takes place.

Who Can Apply?

Graduate students in geosciences (i.e. master’s and Ph.D. students). Applications by students from other related sciences (such as biology, math, physics, chemistry, etc.) can be considered if they are working on projects directly related to glaciers. Applications from recently graduated Master’s and Ph.D. programs will also be considered.

​When and Where Will the Program Take Place?

From 11 to 30 November 2026. Participants are required to arrive in Puerto Natales, Chile, and meet on 11 November at 10:00 AM to discuss. From there, the program will arrange and cover transport to the field site at Bernal Glacier (map).

How Much Are the Program Fees?

USD$3750.

This amount is divided between a USD$750 enrollment fee due on 1 September 2026, and a USD$3000 field fee due on the first day of the field campaign (11 November 2026).

What Is Covered by the Program Fees?

The program includes accommodation, transport, and food during the program (November 11 to November 30), scientific equipment and supplies for science projects, and common camping gear such as tents, pots, and stoves. On request, the program can also provide personal gear such as helmets, harnesses, crampons, and ice axes.

What Is Not Covered by the Program?

Air travel fares to Puerto Natales and accommodation before or after the program. Each participant has to arrange travel to Puerto Natales and back and cover the associated travel costs. It is also the responsibility of each participant to arrange rescue and medical insurance if not provided by their home institution.

How to Apply

Application deadline is 30 June 2026. However, scholarship applications have an earlier deadline on June 8, 2026.

Fill out this program application form before June 30, 2026.

Fill out PIRP Scholarship application form before June 8, 2026. 

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