How did Fridtjof Nansen’s scientific interests shift after the Fram expedition?

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Nansen, Fridtjof — Fridtjof Nansen Fridtjof Nansen, 1915.

Following his return from the Fram expedition in 1896, Fridtjof Nansen’s scientific focus shifted from zoology—his original field of study and professional appointment—to physical oceanography.

While a professorship in zoology was established for him at the University of Kristiania upon his return, his research interests evolved, leading to his formal transition to a professor of oceanography in 1908. During the period between 1896 and 1917, he dedicated his efforts to analyzing the scientific results of his Arctic expedition and conducting further oceanographic cruises in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. His contributions to this field included:1

Designing and improving oceanographic instruments.1
Explaining the mechanics of wind-driven sea currents.1
Investigating the waters of the Arctic.1
Determining how deep- and bottom-water are formed.1

Through his work with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and various research expeditions, Nansen established himself as a significant figure in the development of modern oceanographic science.1