The Spantik Lab 2026 scientific expedition is officially underway.
For the next month, an Italian-Pakistani multidisciplinary team will operate on the Chogo Lungma Glacier, in the Pakistani Karakorum, carrying out the second field campaign of the three-year Spantik Lab – Mountain Laboratory for Climate Research project.
The mission aims to strengthen one of the most advanced high-altitude monitoring networks in Central Asia, improving our understanding of glacier evolution, climate change, water resources, air quality and mountain ecosystems in one of the world's most climate-sensitive regions.
The Karakorum glaciers represent one of the largest freshwater reserves on Earth and supply the Indus River Basin, supporting millions of people downstream.
During the expedition, researchers will:
maintain and expand the permanent monitoring network installed in 2025;
upgrade meteorological, hydrological and air-quality monitoring stations;
perform glaciological surveys using drones and field measurements;
collect environmental, microbiological and sediment samples;
acquire new datasets to improve long-term climate and cryosphere observations.
The research will contribute to a better understanding of how climate change is reshaping the mountain cryosphere and influencing future water availability.
Ten professionals. One mission. One shared commitment to science.
The team:
- Maurizio Gallo - Alpine Guide and Engineer (EvK2CNR) - Expedition leader
- Davide Fugazza - Glaciologist (University of Milan & EvK2CNR)
- Dario Eynard – Environmental Engineer (EvK2CNR): https://youtu.be/ZBKeAM4qVCM?si=WCbEcKSSOQeNOmCg
- Qurat-ul-Ain Ahmad - researcher and Head of the Water Resources and Glaciology Section at GCISC/MOCC
- Sheraz Ali - Assistant Director GB - Enviromental Protection Agency
- Francesca Pittino – Environmental Microbiologist (University of Milano-Bicocca)
- Cecilia Almagioni – PhD Candidate (University of Milan)
- Michele Di Biase – PhD Candidate (Ca' Foscari University of Venice & University of Milan)
- Marco Majori – IFMGA/UIAGM Alpine Guide
- Loris Buzzi – IFMGA/UIAGM Alpine Guide
Together, they combine expertise in glaciology, climatology, environmental engineering, microbiology, mountain safety and high-altitude logistics.
Spantik Lab 2026 is part of the Water 4 Development (W4D) Project.
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)
EvK2CNR
UNDP Pakistan
University of Milan – Department of Environmental Science and Policy
University of Cagliari
Karakoram International University
University of Baltistan
Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC)
Environmental Protection Agency Gilgit-Baltistan (EPA GB)
Proambiente S.C.r.l.
Together, these institutions are building a long-term scientific observatory that strengthens research cooperation between Italy and Pakistan while supporting climate resilience and sustainable water management.
Before reaching the glacier, the expedition started in Islamabad, where the team met with UNDP Pakistan and the Embassy of Italy.
These meetings reaffirmed that successful scientific expeditions rely not only on advanced technology and field expertise, but also on strong international partnerships and a shared commitment to science, cooperation and sustainable development.
Throughout the mission, EvK2CNR will publish regular updates directly from the field, including:
scientific activities
glacier surveys
installation of monitoring stations
behind-the-scenes moments
photos and videos from the expedition
interviews with researchers
daily stories from one of the world's highest mountain environments
🌐 Website
https://www.evk2cnr.org
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/evk2cnr_association
📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064901671441
▶️ YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@EvK2CNR-s2g
Together, we are building scientific knowledge that will help understand the future of glaciers, protect mountain ecosystems and support sustainable water resources for generations to come.
Follow the journey with us—from Islamabad to the glaciers of the Karakorum.