APECS recognized as the preeminent organization for young researchers working in the Arctic, Antarctic, and Cryospheric regions

8-11 July 2008 was a great week for polar science. It was the first time the two major international polar science organizations (SCAR - the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and IASC - International Arctic Science Committee) held a joint conference focusing on science in both Polar Regions. This conference was also an important week for the recognition of APECS and all the effort we have put into our organization over the past 2 years.

During the Opening Ceremony for this conference, President Iversen, together with IASC President  Kristján Kristjánsson  and SCAR President Chris Rapley signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreeing to work together to support early career polar researchers. This is an important step in recognizing our organization as an equal partner in the Polar Research community and a major step forward in involving more young researchers in the science planning activities of these organizations.

Excerpt from the MoU:
"SCAR, IASC, and APECS recognize the importance of fostering the next generation of researchers that will be faced with increasingly critical challenges due to the impacts of climate change on these regions and their global significance. This agreement recognizes APECS as the preeminent organization for young researchers working in the Arctic, Antarctic, and Cryospheric regions that strives to provide a continuum of leadership in polar research.

This MoU identifies a joint commitment to the professional development of early career polar researchers and the need for a continuum of leadership in polar researcher as important mutual aims of all Parties. Examples of activities through which this joint commitment may be pursued include, but are not limited to:

• Working together to ensure representation of early career researchers in all aspects of the Parties respective organizations, including but not limited to, participating in business, strategy, planning, and other meetings and activities;
• Communicating to each Parties members updates, newsletters, and other communications of interest;
• Providing endorsement, support, and dissemination of information on activities, projects, requests for participation, etc.;
• Agreeing to representatives of IASC and SCAR serving as members of the APECS Advisory Committee to offer assistance and guidance; and representatives of APECS being available to IASC and SCAR for early career perspectives."

Featured Member

Kristina Backstrand