Why a pyramid-shaped laboratory?
How can I give my active contribution if I am a student/recent graduate/PhD candidate?
How are experimental subjects selected for physiology research tests?
Can I submit a research proposal to be carried out at the pyramid?
What does Ev-K²-CNR mean? The Ev-K²-CNR Project started in 1987, in collaboration with the Italian National Research Council (CNR), its first aim being the re-measurement of the world's two highest Peaks, Mount Everest and Mount K2, thus the name: Everest-K2-CNR. According to the theories of some American Geophysics researchers, Mount K2 was thought to be higher than Mount Everest. After these first expeditions (which established the height of the two mountains) the Project became a research and exploration programme including other fields of study, such as geophysics, geodesy, geology, medicine, physiology, environmental monitoring, etc. The name of the project remained unchanged.
Why a pyramid-shaped Laboratory? The pyramidal shape of the Observatory-Laboratory, located at 5050 m asl, combines maximum stability with resistance to the elements, resulting in an aesthetically acceptable form pleasantly inserted into its mountain surroundings. The outside structure made of reflecting panels, not only improves this integration by reflecting the environment, it also limits the concentration of heat built up inside the structure during the day.
Why is it located in Nepal, at the foot of Mount Everest? Thanks to its peculiar geographic location (5.050) the Laboratory offers great opportunities for the study of climatic and environmental change, medicine and human physiology as well as of geological, geophysical and seismic phenomena. Such a remote area, located within a National Park, offers optimal conditions for the study of human, animal and vegetation life forms, as well as for the study of climate, atmosphere and pollutant transport. A curious anecdote on this topic: the Pyramid should have been installed on the side opposite where it is now but, just as the inauguration day neared, the events of Tien an Men Square halted the project launch. Despite these difficulties, the project was not abandoned and it was decided that the Pyramid should be constructed on Everest's south side, which is where it is now.
How can I give my active contribution if I am a student/recent graduate/ PhD candidate? Although the major part of research within the Project is led by Universities, the Italian National Research Council or other scientific organizations, the Committee also promotes young researchers' interests and fields of study. In addition proposing unique studies connected to their university activities, they also have the opportunity of collaborating with professional researchers. Interested students should send a short CV to the Ev-K²-CNR Committee Secretariat ( evk2cnr@evk2cnr.org ), emphasising their field of research and expertise. On the basis of the information provided, the student will be put in contact with the scientific coordinator of the relevant area, who will then evaluate possible inclusion in Ev-K²-CNR activities.
How are subjects selected for physiology research tests? Could I be chosen? Experimental subjects are directly selected by the coordinators of physiology and medical research projects, on the basis of specific criteria which have to satisfy chosen research parameters. Moreover, involved researchers and technicians sometimes are themselves used as subjects to experiments. For this reason it is quite rare for "volunteers" to be included in research tests.