Polar Science Gets a Boost From EU

The €2 million five-year EU-PolarNet programme brings together 22 of Europe’s internationally-respected multi-disciplinary research institutions to develop and deliver an integrated European polar research programme that is supported by access to first-class operational polar infrastructures.  EU-PolarNet will involve stakeholders from the outset to create a suite of research proposals whose scientific outcomes are directly relevant and beneficial to European society and its economy.

Polar issues have been rising up the political agenda across Europe over the past decade.  The level of investment now being made by governments is a clear demonstration of how critical polar research is for forming policies, including those relating to climate change, energy security, global food security, innovation and economic growth.

By establishing an ongoing dialogue between policymakers, business and industry leaders, local communities and scientists EU-PolarNet aims to create an Integrated European Research Programme for the Antarctic and the Arctic.  This legacy from EU-PolarNet will be sustained into the future by the European Polar Board, all of whose members are integrally involved with the project.

A key role for EU-PolarNet is to cooperate closely with the European Commission to provide support and advice on all issues related to the Polar Regions.

Dr Andrea Tilche, Head of the Climate Action and Earth Observation Unit, in the European Commission DG for Research and Innovation, comments:
"The European Commission welcomes this new Coordination Action which brings together polar scientific communities and other stakeholders.  It creates a new "home" where science and innovation on polar issues can be discussed for the benefit of our planet and our societies".

EU-PolarNet is coordinated by the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Germany.  Director, Professor Karin Lochte comments:

“EU-PolarNet represents a fantastic challenge for leaders of national polar research programmes.  It is our ambition to enhance the high-level of collaboration and cooperation that exists currently across Europe and the rest of the world.  Our network is ideally positioned to play a leading international role in forming new partnerships within scientific, business and policy-making communities.  The knowledge and discoveries that we make in the polar regions have an impact on our daily lives.  This is a very exciting time for polar science.”