This event will bring together key representatives from research institutions, government agencies, and the broader policy community to discuss strategic priorities for European polar science. A central focus will be on the upcoming International Polar Year (IPY) and the UN Decade of the Cryosphere, as well as the evolving role of the European Polar Board (EPB) and the newly established European Polar Coordination Office.
Participation is by invitation only. Information about registration has been sent out seperately.
This event will take place on 7 May between 13:00 and 16:00, with a reception in the evening.
Moderator: Peter Sköld
13:00 Welcoming from Umeå Municipality and Umeå University
Marie-Louise Rönnmark, Chairman of Umeå Municipal Council
Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University
13:10 Perspectives from Indigenous Arctic Communities
Elle Merete Omma, Head of the EU Unit Sámi Council
13:15 Opening Address on Sweden’s Role in Polar Science
Axel Wernhoff
13:20 Keynote Talk: Socioeconomic and Ecosystem Challenges at the Poles in the Face of Climate Change: From the Poles to Global Impacts
Prof. Antonio Quesada, Spanish Polar Committee
13:35 Overview of the 5th International Polar Year (IPY) 2032–2033
Mr. Henry Burgess, IASC President, IPY Executive Committee
13:45 UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, 2025–2034: Global Perspectives
Mr. Anil Mishra, Chief of Section Hydrological Systems, Climate Change and Adaptation, Focal Point for the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, UNESCO
13:55 Towards a Unified yet Diverse European Polar Voice: Coordination, Collaboration, and Communication
Dr. Maria Grigoratou, Executive Secretary of European Polar Board
14:05 Break (25 minutes)
14:30–15:10 Towards a European unified yet diverse Polar voice to meet the challenges faced by Europe and globally in the 21st century — a Polar perspective
The panel will discuss how Europe can strengthen its polar voice through collaboration, policy engagement, and public relevance. Discussions will draw on present experiences to identify pathways for moving forward and ensuring that polar science remains impactful. Panellists will address how to enhance the relevance of scientific research for society, integrate science into policymaking, and foster long-term resilience in the face of uncertainty. The discussion will also consider how to bridge trust gaps, making present and future planning more effective.
Moderator
Prof. Dag Avango, Luleå University of Technology
Panel
Dr. Eva Ortega-Paíno, Secretary General for Research at the Ministry of Science, Chair of the Spanish Polar Committee (online)
Freja Fagerholm, Board Member of APECS Sweden
Rebecca Tapper, Board Member of APECS Sweden
Axel Wernhoff
Elle Merete Omma, Head of the EU Unit Sámi council
Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University
15:15–15:50 Aligning European Polar Science with Global Initiatives: Strengthening Contributions to the International Polar Year 2032–2033 and the UN Decade of the Cryosphere
This panel will focus on how the European polar science community can strengthen its role within the objectives and frameworks of major international initiatives, including the International Polar Year (IPY) 2032-2033 and the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, 2025–2034 (2025-2034). Discussions will centre on how Europe can enhance its coordination, collaboration, and scientific contributions to support these global efforts, ensuring a strong presence in shaping the future of polar and cryosphere research.
Moderator
Margareta Johansson, SPRS
Panel
Mr. Henry Burgess, IASC President, IPY Executive Committee
Mr. Anil Mishra, Chief of Section Hydrological Systems, Climate Change and Adaptation, Focal Point for the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, UNESCO
Freja Fagerholm, Board Member of APECS Sweden
Rebecca Tapper, Board Member of APECS Sweden
Dr. Lena- Maria Nilsson, Member of the research group Lávvuo – Research and Education for Sámi Health, Arctic Centre
Dr. Maria Grigoratou, Executive Secretary of the European Polar Board
Prof. Antonio Quesada, Spanish Polar Committee
15:50 Closing Remarks
Peter Sköld, EPB Chair
16:00–18:00 Reception, Brashörnan
The event is organised by Umeå University, Luleå University of Technology, Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and European Polar Board.
If you have any questions, please contact the Arctic Centre at arctic.centre@umu.se