Next Generation of Polar Researchers Join Forces

It was at a meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, in September, that the IPY International Youth Steering Committee (IYSC) and the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) decided to merge under a new structure. Twenty-four participants had gathered for four days of intense discussions about the best steps forward for their organizations. The new organization is keeping the name ‘APECS'.

-- I have no doubt that this new organization will become a very important meeting place for young polar researchers. I expect new, exciting collaborations to see the light of day as a result of this merge, Norwegian PhD candidate Kris Rokkan Iversen said. She was elected chair of the interim executive committee, which was elected at the same meeting.

Foto: Bård Gudim
Kriss Rokkan Iversen (to the left) together with fellow polar researcher Jenny Bytingsvik.The Future of Polar Research
The new APECS plan to shape the future of polar sciences by sharing and developing interdisciplinary and international research directives, career development needs, and communication of this advancing science, with people around the world.

It consists of coordinated regional and national activities, disciplinary science groups, and international activities. A number of committees were established focusing on career development, communication, and the organization of an international APECS conference in 2009.

A strategic plan is currently being developed, along with terms of reference, mission statement, constitution, fundraising strategy, and communication plan.

IYSC and APECS History
The International Youth Steering Committee (IYSC) was initially established to ensure participation of youth in the International Polar Year. It has established 12 national education and outreach activities (National YSCs) that have been working to bring polar science into the classrooms and the homes in their countries. In August last year, however, the organization realized that there was still a major need for international networking among early career scientists, and that many graduate students would not automatically identify themselves as members of a "youth organization". Thus the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) soon became an important tool for young researchers. It was quickly recognized for its potential to foster the next generation of polar researchers.

However, on a national level many of the members of the two often were involved in both YSC and APECS activities. It became clear that it was a good strategy to unite efforts to create a strong international organization.

The new APECS hope to encourage all students, post-docs, and early career faculty with an interest in interdisciplinary and international polar and cryospheric research to become involved with the organisation.

For more information