SCAR is hosting a Digital Poster Pitch Seminar on September 1st at 13:00 UTC as part of the preparations for the SCAR2026 conference. This online event provides researchers with an opportunity to present their work and engage with the global Antarctic science community. The seminar represents an innovative approach to scientific communication, allowing participants from around the world to showcase their research in a digital format. Interested researchers can find more information and registration details at https://scar.org/scar-news/scar2026-online-poster
Furthermore, in a dual push to advance international polar collaboration and modernise scientific coordination, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) has announced two major initiatives: the renewal of a critical strategic partnership and the establishment of a new international coordination framework for the next International Polar Year.
At the institutional level, SCAR has officially renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS). This renewed trilateral partnership is designed to strengthen cross-disciplinary research cooperation across both of the Earth’s polar regions.
By continuing to align their efforts, the three organisations aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and support the next generation of polar researchers. According to SCAR, working together in this capacity is essential for coordinating international efforts to address the most critical questions facing polar environments today.
Separately, in a significant development for polar research governance, Norway has been selected to host the Coordination Office for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY5), working in partnership with the Republic of Korea and Chile. This collaborative hosting arrangement brings together expertise and resources from three continents and represents an innovative approach to international polar coordination.
The Coordination Office will be responsible for facilitating international collaboration, coordinating research activities, and ensuring that IPY5 achieves its ambitious goals for advancing polar science and addressing critical questions about climate change, biodiversity, and the role of polar regions in the Earth system.
Ultimately, the combination of strengthened institutional cooperation through the renewed MoU and the establishment of the IPY5 Coordination Office positions the global polar science community to more effectively tackle the complex challenges facing Earth’s extreme environments.
MoU Renewal: Additional details regarding the renewed partnership between SCAR, IASC and APECS are available at: scar.org/scar-news/renewed-mou-scar-iasc-afops
IPY5 Coordination Office: Further information on Norway’s selection as host, in partnership with the Republic of Korea and Chile, is available at: scar.org/scar-news/norway-to-host-ipy5-coordination-office
For more information about the renewed partnership, visit https://scar.org/scar-news/renewed-mou-scar-iasc-afops.
Source: Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)
