Kochi | Prof S Bijoy Nandan, Dean, Faculty of Marine Sciences, CUSAT and CSIR-Emeritus Scientist, has achieved the historic distinction of becoming the first Keralite to reach the Geographic North Pole at 90° North.

Nandan reached the North Pole as part of the 7th ROSATOM International Arctic Expedition - 'Icebreaker of Knowledge', held from August 4 to 13, 2026, according to a Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) statement on Wednesday.

He is also the first Indian to be selected as an International Expert for the expedition, it said.

The team reached the Geographic North Pole aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker '50 Let Pobedy' (50 Years of Victory), departing from Murmansk, Russia.

As an International Expert, Nandan participated in the expedition's science and educational programmes along with scientists, Arctic researchers, science communication experts and educators from various countries, it said.

He interacted with students and other participants on topics, including ocean and polar science, climate change, environmental sustainability and ocean conservation.

Nandan is a scientist with extensive experience in Arctic research.

As part of the Indian Arctic Research Programme, he conducted research at the Ny-Alesund International Arctic Research Base in Svalbard, Norway, from 2015 to 2021.

His major research contributions have been in areas including Arctic fjord ecology, blue carbon potential and benthic biodiversity, the CUSAT statement added.