Best ICOS station award 2026 by ETC
Abisko-Stordalen (Sweden) has been awarded the ICOS Ecosystem Station of the Year 2026 in the category Class 1&2 stations, a distinction that recognizes exceptional commitment to maintaining the high-quality observations that underpin the Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS). The award highlights not only scientific excellence, but also the dedication, collaboration, and day-to-day efforts required to deliver reliable long-term ecosystem data.
The ICOS Ecosystem Station of the Year Award was established to acknowledge the people behind the measurements and to emphasize the importance of strong cooperation between stations and the ICOS Ecosystem Thematic Centre (ETC). While symbolic in nature, the award is based on a rigorous evaluation of station performance against a set of quality criteria developed by the ETC.
The selection process considers several aspects of station operations, including:
- Continuity and completeness of data records
- Rapid and constructive communication with the Ecosystem Thematic Centre
- Timely submission of metadata and ancillary measurements
- Adherence to ICOS protocols and sampling schedules
- Instrument maintenance, calibration, and quality control
- Contributions to improving data processing through feedback and collaboration
Abisko-Stordalen stood out for its consistent delivery of high-quality observations, excellent communication with the ICOS network, and sustained efforts to ensure data integrity across all stages of the monitoring process. The station's long-term commitment has helped maintain a robust and scientifically valuable record of ecosystem change in the subarctic landscape.
Recognising the people behind the data
Within ICOS, data transfer and processing are highly automated, but data quality ultimately depends on the people operating the stations. Field teams are responsible for maintaining and calibrating instruments, documenting site changes, conducting supplementary measurements, and identifying potential issues before they affect long-term records.
These efforts are especially important in challenging environments such as the Arctic and subarctic regions, where harsh weather conditions can affect sensors and infrastructure. Through careful station management and close collaboration with the Ecosystem Thematic Centre, the Abisko-Stordalen team has demonstrated the level of dedication needed to sustain a world-class observation site.
Supporting a stronger scientific community
The purpose of the Ecosystem Station of the Year Award is not only to celebrate individual stations, but also to strengthen the ICOS community as a whole. By highlighting examples of excellence, the award encourages knowledge sharing, fosters collaboration between stations and thematic centres, and reinforces ICOS's common goal of providing high-quality, standardized observations of greenhouse gas fluxes and ecosystem processes across Europe.
The recognition of Abisko-Stordalen in 2026 reflects the station team's outstanding contribution to this mission and underscores the vital role that long-term ecosystem monitoring plays in advancing climate and environmental research.
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