We teach, train, and inspire the scientific leaders of tomorrow.

Our Story

What is the Juneau Icefield Research Program?

The Juneau Icefield Research Program’s (JIRP’s) mission is two-fold: we offer an eight-week scientific immersion in the wilderness of the Juneau Icefield for undergraduate and graduate students interested in glacier science. We also offer planning and logistic support to research teams collecting data on the Juneau Icefield.

Learn more >

Andrew Opila, a student in 2018, created a short film about JIRP.

Academic Affiliations

JIRP is a collaborative endeavor run primarily through the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder, with significant support from the University of Maine School of Earth and Climate Sciences, the University of Maine Climate Change Institute, and the University of Alaska Southeast Department of Natural Sciences.

In addition to CU Boulder, UMaine, and UAS, JIRP welcomes students, faculty, and research teams from colleges, universities, research institutes, and professional programs around the world.

What’s New?

  • 2026 INTEREST FORM

    Interested in participating in JIRP? Fill out the 2026 Interest Form to receive an email when student, staff, or faculty applications open.

    Interest Form >

  • JIRP IN THE MEDIA

    From scientific publications to mini documentaries to magazine articles, our JIRP community sure knows how to represent JIRP! See recent media publications and releases on our JIRP in the Media page.

    Visit >

  • SIGN UP TO RECEIVE JIRP NEWSLETTER

    Are you an alum who is interested in staying connected with JIRP?

    Sign up for JIRPerList to receive our monthly-ish newsletter “Announcements.” You can also post job openings, share fond JIRP memories, and connect with other alumni from around the world.

    Sign Up >

  • DATA FROM THE ICEFIELD

    Looking for mass balance, GPS survey, or meteorologic data from the Icefield? Find it on our new Data from the Icefield page.

    Interested in helping us get more data up in a more accessible format? Email our staff at office@juneauicefield.org.

    Visit >

“My JIRP experience strengthened in me a love of exploration that ultimately led to my participation in the space program, including the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity. JIRP was fundamental to my growth as a scientist and as a person.”

— Dr. Steven Squyres, Professor Astronomy, Cornell University; Principal Investigator of Mars Exploration Rover Project