Rif Field Station

Rif Field Station was established in 2014 to promote research and monitoring projects in Melrakkaslétta peninsula, gather and share information on the area’s natural environment, and support the local community. 

Rif is an autonomous department of the Northeast Iceland Nature Research Centre, and it is supported by the Norðurþing municipality and the Environmental Ministry. 

Rif provides housing and research facilities for scientists and students interested in using the unique research possibilities that Melrakkaslétta has to offer. 

The Field Station’s emphasis lies within the field of natural and environmental science, but the facilities are open for all scientists intending to carry out research in the area. Melrakkaslétta and Raufarhöfn are for instance especially interesting locations for researching the Arctic and Subarctic habitats, the interaction between humans and nature, as well as rural development. 

Rif Field Station is a member of INTERACT (International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the Arctic). The network has now become circum-polar, including 89 member stations. With climate change and increased human activities, there is an increased need for surveillance and monitoring of the fragile ecosystems in northern and Arctic areas.