What is the International Polar Year (IPY)?
The International Polar Year (2007-2009) involves over 60 countries focusing scientific research on the Arctic and Antarctic. This will enable an understanding the present environmental status of the Polar Regions as well as providing a historical context to interpret the changes being observed in these areas. Find out more at www.ipy.org
Involving Youth and Young Scientists in the International Polar Year
The IPY also aims to include and develop "the next generation of polar scientists" through its activities. The International Polar Year Youth Steering Committee (IPY YSC) is a committee of young polar researchers wishing to participate in outreach during the IPY. We are part of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS). Find out more here!
How can I get involved?
In New Zealand, the YSC has two aims:
- Networking polar researchers at the beginning of their careers to enable collaboration
- Enabling this network to participate in educational outreach to other young people
We are seeking early career polar researchers, school students and teachers to get involved in outreach projects. Contact us for more information. For ideas of how to get involved, see the events page.
APECS Workshop for students and early career polar researchers, Monday 30th June 2008, University of Otago
Career Paths in NZ Polar Research: from student to PI
As part of the Antarctica New Zealand’s Annual Conference, a morning workshop is being held for students and early career polar researchers to provide an informal venue for this group to network. The workshop will take the form of a panel discussion, drawing on the experience of Antarctic scientists at various stages in their careers to talk openly about the challenges and rewards of career paths in polar research. The focus will be on the transition from student to PI and how this process is supported in New Zealand. This is a great opportunity to make contacts with other students as well as established polar experts, and to share and form new ideas about how to continue our careers in the Polar Regions.
Registration for the workshop will begin in May as part of the registration process for Antarctica New Zealand’s Annual Conference. All welcome from students to established scientists. For more information about the workshop, please contact Mélianie Raymond.
In association with APECS, Antarctica New Zealand, and the University of Otago Polar Environments Research Theme.
The Polar Contests
In 2007 the NZ YSC ran a project called the Polar Contests. The young polar researcher’s network was involved in mentoring secondary school students as they worked on extracurricular creative projects to learn and teach others about polar research and express their views on polar issues such as climate change. The winner of the Polar Contests, Charlotte Taylor, recently experienced Antarctica first-hand on a Students on Ice IPY expedition! Her expedition blogs and photos are available on the Students on Ice website where we can trace her adventure through images, stories and videos.
Find out more at the Polar Contests page
