The Netherlands is to send its largest ever expedition to the North Pole where scientists will carry out research on the island of Edgeøya, off the east coast of Spitsbergen.

Around 50 Dutch scientists are taking part in the expedition, which is being organised by the Arctic Centre at Groningen University. They will investigate climate change and its impact on people.

The eastern side of Spitsbergen has hardly been looked at, according to biologist Maarten Loonen, unlike the western side.

A number of well-known people will also be joining the expedition, including weatherman Peter Kuipers Munneke who will report for broadcaster Nos, and D66 MP Stientje van Veldhoven who will represent parliament.

Polar bears

It is not the first time the Dutch have sent an expedition to the island. Four Dutch students stayed there throughout the winter in 1968 studying polar bears. Three of them are still alive and will be joining the expedition.

Last month two Dutch researchers went missing in the north of Canada on their way to the North Pole.