In 2011, the Centre opened a new 27,000 square foot operations building. This facility can accommodate up to 84 guests and features a full service cafeteria, 5 laboratories, 3 classrooms, audio-visual lounge, heated 360 degree aurora viewing dome, fitness room and outdoor viewing platform. We provide equipment rentals, and logistical support to researchers. The CNSC is an easily accessible northern field research station, open year round, situated in the Hudson Bay Lowlands.

	Name	Email	Phone Number
Primary Contact	LeeAnn Fishback	fishback@churchillscience.ca	(204) 675-2307
Secondary Contact	Grant MacNeil	macneil@churchillscience.ca	(204) 675-2307

Download Churchill Northern Studies Centre profile as a PDF document

Owner
Churchill Research Centre

Membership
Regular Member

Website
www.churchillscience.ca

Latitude
58.737778

Longitude
-93.819167

Location
Churchill

Nearest Community
Churchill

Territory/ Province
Manitoba

Aboriginal Government/ Homeland
N/A

Facility Type
Year-Round Research Station

Research Hinterland
Coastal, Continuous Permafrost, Freshwater, Treeline, Wetland

Research History
Research includes auroral research, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, inland water quality, marine ecosystems, northern ecology, peatland and treeline dynamics, snow pack dynamics, and wildlife management. Over the past 38 years researchers stationed at the Center made important contributions, such as Dr. Ian Stirling (world leading polar bear expert), Dr. Nick Lunn, Dr. Erica Nol and Dr. Robert Jefferies (world leading arctic scientist). The Centre also hosts educational programs for students and for the public.

Main Research Disciplines
Anthropology, Archaeology, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, Biochemistry, Climatology, Environmental Sciences, Geodesy, Geology and Sedimentology, Geophysics, Geocryology, Geomorphology, Glaciology, Human Biology/Wellness, Hydrology, Isotopic Chemistry, Limnology, Mapping/GIS, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Oceanography, Paleoecology, Paleolimnology, Sociology, Soil Science, Terrestrial Biology/Ecology, Traditional/Aboriginal Knowledge

Power
External Electrical Grid, Generator

Communications
Telephone, Satellite phone, VHF, Internet, Computer, Printer/Scanner, Fax

Local Transportation
Road and off-road vehicles

Equipment Storage
Heated and unheated storage space available

Dormitory/Sleeping Facilities
84 beds in dormitory style accommodations

Dining/Kitchen Facilities
Fully-serviced kitchen and cafeteria for 100 people

Laboratory Facilities
Dry and wet laboratory facilities available with climate control and power at lab benches.

Fuel Availability
Available on site

Research Requirements
Churchill Wildlife Management permit held by CNSC. Permits required for invertebrates and above from Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship. Permits also required from federal agencies depending on regulations. Please contact CNSC Scientific Coordinator for assistance to obtain appropriate permits.

Special Rules and Regulations
N/A

Local External Resources
Remote research camps available in Wapusk National Park and access to other shelter can be organized

Nearest Medical Service
Churchill Health Centre in the Town of Churchill

Safety Considerations
It is recommended that researchers have a Possession Acquisition License (CDN) or a temporary borrowing permit (US) for firearms prior to working in this area. A limited number of firearms are available on site for use. Polar bear safety training is provided to all researchers on site. Local bear monitors are also available. Cold conditions in winter require adequate clothing and care during field work.

Cost
www.churchillscience.ca/for-researchers/fees.cfm

Other Information
Established in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC) is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The CNSC is located in a transition zone where the northern extent of the boreal forest meets the southern edge of the arctic tundra; it is also near the Churchill River, where freshwater enters the marine ecosystem of Hudson Bay. This convergence of ecosystems provides an incredibly wide array of representative environments for study. As a community-based organization serving Canadian universities, government agencies and international organizations, the CNSC provides an ideal setting for students to participate in field-based research programs and learn from world-class scientists and educators. The mission of the CNSC is “to understand and sustain the north.” With respect to research, the Centre facilitates the work of between 125 and 225 researchers annually. Institutionally, the CNSC has over 7,000 members, of which 1,400 are in good standing. The CNSC operates year-round with 6 full-time staff and 4-8 part-time and seasonal employees.

Last Updated
2015-05-30