Spirits were high as 260 polar teachers and young scientists, from all around the world, had found their way to the Research Council of Norway to kick off the International PolarTEACHERS conference and the APECS workshop which started this weekend. 

As they lined up outside the Research Council offices, they became the first 260 guests out of approximately 2200, to register for the IPY Oslo Science Conference.

Photo: Anita Thorolvsen Munch
On Line: The participants were queing up outside the Research Council to register for the conference.

We need you
- During the IPY years we have experienced quite dramatic signs of climate change, and we see an increased awareness of the importance of solid knowledge, of understanding and of acting, CEO of the Research Council of Norway Arvid Hallén said, as he welcomed the polar teachers, young scientists and their mentors to the Research Council.

- Let me say to you early career scientists: We depend on your fresh ideas, your imagination and your committment, Hallén said, before turning to all the teachers present.

- As a head of the Research Council I know how important it is, both to secure proper use of research results and to increase the public understanding - and importance - of science. Many channels of dissemination are relevant, and one of the most important ones is the education system. This is why you polar teachers are so important, he said.

Photo: Anita Thorolvsen Munch
Director General at the Research Council of Norway, Arvid Hallén.

Part of the Norwegian identity
Hallén also took the opportunity to share the fact that polar research is very much part of the Norwegian identity.

- Polar explorations, fisheries and hunting, and polar science, are important elements in our national history. For most Norwegians, even today, our presence in both the Arctic and the Antarctic is part of our identity.

- This is evident in the fact that few other science programs have mobilized such public interest, if any, as the IPY. As a nation we are well aware of the responsibility that comes with our presence.

- This is why Norway has been one of the major contributors to IPY, Hallén said.

Photo: Anita Thorolvsen Munch
Inga marianne Lango, Karen Inga Kemi and Karen Marie Eira Buljo represented the Internation Centre for Reindeer Husbandry and the research project BIRGEN.

No arrogance
Executive Secretary of the Norwegian International Polar Year Secretariat and the Chair of the IPY Oslo Science Conference Steering Committee, Dr. Olav Orheim, took the opportunity to offer some advice to the young researchers before they entered the jungle of presentations at the OSC.

- Be selective as to what you lend your ears too. Go to the researchers, be aggressive and don`t be shy.

- When I was a young researcher, I was sometimes shocked at the arrogance I would meet. Researchers are not like this today! They very much want to speak to you, Orheim said.

Photo: Anita Thorolvsen Munch


Making connections
Postdoctoral researcher at The National Center for Atmospheric Research, USA and representing the APECS, Alexandra Jahn, underlined Orheims advice by urging everyone to take the opportunity to make valuable connections at the conference.

- Take this opportunity to talk to as many as possible, Jahn urged.

Louise Huffman, member of the PolarTEACHERS conference committee, pointed out the fact that researchers get as much from outreach as the audience.

- This initiative is an incredible chance for us to share, she concluded.

Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS)

Photo: Anita Thorolvsen Munch
Karl Torstein Hetland has been in charge of the Norwegian polar education programme, during the IPY, and has put great effort into planning The International PolarTEACHERS conference.

Photo: Anita Thorolvsen Munch
Belgian teacher team: Jan A van der Star, Wim van Buggenhout and Alex Baiverlin.