European Polar Board

European Polar Board The European Polar Board (EPB) is an independent organisation focused on major strategic priorities

The European Polar Board announces recent updates to its Member Representatives. After many years of dedicated service a...
19/05/2026

The European Polar Board announces recent updates to its Member Representatives. After many years of dedicated service as representative of the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Professor Gonçalo Vieira has concluded his term at the EPB. We warmly thanks Professor Vieira for his valuable contributions, commitment, and longstanding service to the EPB and the European polar research community.

We welcome Associate Professor Catarina Magalhães as FCT’s new representative.

Catarina Magalhães, PhD, is Principal Researcher at the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), where she coordinates the Global Changes and Ecosystems thematic line and leads the Microbiome Ecology and Biogeochemistry research team. She is also Associate Professor at the University of Porto and serves on the executive committee of the Department of Biology.

Dr Magalhães is a member of the coordination committee of the Portuguese Polar Program and currently serves as the Portuguese delegate to the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) Marine Working Group. Since 2010, she has been actively involved in international polar research programmes and multidisciplinary Arctic expeditions contributing to the understanding of climate change impacts on microbial communities and biogeochemical processes, as well as to long-term Arctic Ocean monitoring initiatives.

We look forward to working with Dr. Magalhães and to continuing our strong collaboration with the Portuguese polar research community.

The European Polar Board held its Spring Plenary on 14–15 April 2026 in Cambridge, UK, at the British Antarctic Survey h...
17/04/2026

The European Polar Board held its Spring Plenary on 14–15 April 2026 in Cambridge, UK, at the British Antarctic Survey headquarters. Members from across Europe’s polar research community came together to discuss EPB’s strategy, organisational development, and preparations for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY-5, 2032–2033). The meeting also marked the first EPB Plenary attended by the Norwegian Polar Institute as a new member organisation.

Alongside the plenary, participants visited BAS facilities and the Scott Polar Research Institute’s Polar Museum. The museum also hosted the EPB Executive Committee meeting and a joint exchange with the SCAR Executive Committee, where shared priorities and future cooperation were discussed.

Thank you to the UKRI/NERC representatives to EPB Prof Dame Jane Francis, Henry Burgess, and all colleagues at the British Antarctic Survey involved in hosting a productive and inspiring gathering.

https://www.europeanpolarboard.org/news/european-polar-board-held-spring-plenary-at-british-antarctic-survey-cambridge/

The European Polar Board has released its 2025 Activity Report, marking a milestone year of transition, reflection, and ...
06/04/2026

The European Polar Board has released its 2025 Activity Report, marking a milestone year of transition, reflection, and renewed strategic direction.

Celebrating 30 years of EPB, the report highlights key developments, including the relocation of the Secretariat to Umeå and the integration of the European Polar Coordination Office, strengthening coordination across the European polar research community.

“As we mark thirty years of the European Polar Board, we are reminded that coordination has always been at the heart of our mission, but its meaning has evolved. Today, coordination is not only about connecting activities across countries and institutions; it is about ensuring that European polar science speaks with clarity, relevance, and impact in a rapidly changing world”, Prof. Peter Sköld, EPB Chair

From contributions to FP10 discussions to engagement in international initiatives such as the 5th International Polar Year and the UN Decade of Actions for Cryospheric Sciences, EPB continues to strengthen Europe’s polar research voice.

Read the full report: https://www.europeanpolarboard.org/news/a-year-at-epb-2025-activity-report-published/

European Polar Board Participates in World Day for Glaciers 2026 at UNESCO ParisThe World Day for Glaciers 2026 will tak...
17/03/2026

European Polar Board Participates in World Day for Glaciers 2026 at UNESCO Paris

The World Day for Glaciers 2026 will take place on 18–19 March 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, bringing together scientists, policymakers and stakeholders to highlight the importance of glaciers and the impacts of their rapid change.

The event marks the closing of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 and the launch of the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), with sessions and discussions aimed at strengthening research, cooperation and action on cryospheric change.

Across the two days, the programme includes high-level sessions, thematic panels and side events addressing the links between the cryosphere, water systems and broader societal challenges, while presenting outcomes from the International Year and next steps for the decade ahead.

As part of the official programme, the Executive Secretary of the European Polar Board (EPB) will participate as a panelist in a session marking the technical launch of the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), outlining its objectives, priorities and implementation framework. The session will take place on 18 March 2026, from 14:30 to 15:30 (CET).

Further information on the programme and registration is available on the official website: https://www.un-glaciers.org/en/world-day-glaciers-2026?hub=195

EPB Contributes to EC Call for Evidence for the Update of the EU Arctic PolicyThe European Polar Board (EPB) has submitt...
13/03/2026

EPB Contributes to EC Call for Evidence for the Update of the EU Arctic Policy

The European Polar Board (EPB) has submitted a contribution to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence and public consultation on the update of the EU Arctic Policy, highlighting the importance of a climate-centred and science-based approach to Arctic governance.

In its contribution, the EPB emphasises that the Arctic is warming up to four times faster than the global average, reshaping sea ice, permafrost, ocean circulation and ecosystems. These changes affect Arctic communities directly and extend far beyond the region, influencing European weather patterns, sea-level rise, marine resources, infrastructure, and long-term economic and societal resilience.

The EPB highlights that sustained scientific capacity, including long-term observations, modelling and research infrastructures, is essential to anticipate change, assess climate-related risks and support informed decision-making.

The contribution is accompanied by additional material outlining the strategic benefits of a climate-centred, science-based EU Arctic Policy and the importance of sustained investment in polar research, observing systems, and international scientific cooperation.

The full EPB contribution and supporting document can be accessed here: https://www.europeanpolarboard.org/news/epbs-contribution-to-the-ec-call-for-evidence-on-the-eu-arctic-policy-update/

EPB Highlights the Importance of Polar Observations in EC Call for Evidence on the Ocean Observation InitiativeThe EPB h...
06/03/2026

EPB Highlights the Importance of Polar Observations in EC Call for Evidence on the Ocean Observation Initiative

The EPB has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the forthcoming European Ocean Observation Initiative, highlighting the importance of explicitly integrating a dedicated polar dimension into the initiative. The polar regions, including the Arctic Ocean, the Southern Ocean around Antarctica, and their connected ice sheets, glaciers, permafrost and coastal zones, play a critical role in regulating the Earth system, influencing European climate, sea-level rise, and marine productivity.

In its contribution, the EPB emphasises that reliable access to high-latitude observations is essential for Europe’s strategic autonomy and climate resilience. Polar observations underpin key European services and tools, including climate projections, sea-level forecasts, and satellite validation. Strengthening access to these observations would support initiatives such as Copernicus services and the Digital Twin of the Ocean, while improving Europe’s capacity to anticipate and respond to climate-driven risks.

Europe already has world-class polar research infrastructures, from ice-capable vessels and research stations to long-term observatories and advanced modelling systems. EPB notes that the main challenge is ensuring coordination and long-term continuity across these assets at the European level. Integrating a strong polar component into the Ocean Observation Initiative would therefore reinforce the initiative’s goals in research and innovation, international cooperation, and public engagement while strengthening Europe’s ability to understand and respond to global change.

https://www.europeanpolarboard.org/news/epb-highlights-the-importance-of-polar-observations-in-ec-call-for-evidence-on-the-ocean-observation-initiative/

The EPB is pleased to welcome the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) representatives.The Norwegian Polar Institute has beco...
27/02/2026

The EPB is pleased to welcome the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) representatives.

The Norwegian Polar Institute has become a full member of the EPB, effective January 2026. This milestone formalises and strengthens a long-standing and active relationship. For many years, NPI has contributed to EPB’s work through the Research Council of Norway, playing an important role in shaping European dialogue on polar research priorities, collaboration, and strategic development. As an independent member, NPI will further enhance its engagement and contribution to EPB discussions, initiatives, and decision-making processes.

Prof. Dr. Camilla Brekke, Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute, will serve as NPI’s primary representative to the EPB. Following several years of dedicated service as representative for the Research Council of Norway, Dr. Nalân Koç, Special Adviser at the Norwegian Polar Institute, assumed the role of alternate representative for NPI.

Read more about Prof. Dr. Camilla Brekke, and Dr. Nalân Koç in the EPB news article: https://www.europeanpolarboard.org/news/epb-welcomes-norwegian-polar-institute-representatives/

UNESCO has opened a call for expressions of interest to support the establishment of the governing and delivery structur...
26/02/2026

UNESCO has opened a call for expressions of interest to support the establishment of the governing and delivery structures of the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034). This call invites interested experts and stakeholders to contribute to the implementation framework of the Decade, including participation in:
• Working Groups
• The Alliance for the Cryosphere
• The Cryosphere Finance Dialogue

These structures will play a key role in coordinating scientific collaboration, strengthening partnerships, and mobilising resources to advance global action on cryospheric research and policy.

Application Deadline
The call is open until 6 March 2026.
Interested applicants are invited to submit their expression of interest via the official online form available on UNESCO’s website:
🔗 https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/call-expressions-interest-decade-action-cryospheric-sciences-2025-2034-governing-structures

More details: https://www.europeanpolarboard.org/news/unesco-launches-call-for-expressions-of-interest-decade-of-action-for-cryospheric-sciences-20252034/

The Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) has become a new full member of the European Polar Board (EPB), marking a new step i...
16/02/2026

The Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) has become a new full member of the European Polar Board (EPB), marking a new step in Norway’s engagement in European polar research cooperation and collaboration.

“At a time when international cooperation is essential to understanding rapid change in the Arctic and Antarctic, the EPB serves as a vital platform for coordination and collaboration, brining together key national priorities at the European level while strengthening collective action around access to polar research infrastructures and scientific ambitions.” ¬ Dr. Camilla Brekke, NPI director.

This new membership also deepens collaboration across Europe’s polar research community.

“As climate change becomes one of the main drivers of environmental, climatic and societal change in the polar regions, it is more important than ever that Europe’s polar research community remains connected and works together. The growth of the European Polar Board through the membership of the Norwegian Polar Institute strengthens our ability to bring key European organisations into a shared framework, where we can collectively shape a strong European voice for polar research, ensure Europe remains strong in polar research and knowledge security, and deepen cooperation and collaboration across disciplines, countries and infrastructures.”  Prof. Peter Sköld, EPB Chair.

Read the full article to learn more about NPI’s expertise, infrastructure, and contributions to the EPB: https://www.europeanpolarboard.org/news/the-norwegian-polar-institute-becomes-full-member-of-the-european-polar-board/

EPB Input to the EC Call for Evidence on the Ocean ActThe European Polar Board has submitted its contribution to the Eur...
12/02/2026

EPB Input to the EC Call for Evidence on the Ocean Act

The European Polar Board has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the European Ocean Act, highlighting the need to explicitly integrate the polar regions into EU ocean governance.

Core message: the Ocean Act must explicitly incorporate the polar regions into EU ocean governance, recognizing them as integral ocean–land systems that fundamentally shape Europe’s seas, coasts, climate stability, and marine ecosystems.

Polar processes drive sea-level rise, alter ocean circulation, and affect biodiversity and fisheries productivity, yet they remain insufficiently embedded in existing maritime frameworks. To ensure effective, science-based and climate-smart ocean governance, the Act should adopt a One Ocean–One Cryosphere perspective, strengthen coordinated, long-term polar observation, sustained infrastructure, political and financial commitment to long-term research capacity.

Integrating the polar dimension will enhance maritime spatial planning, coastal risk management, EU climate action, and Europe’s strategic knowledge base in managing interconnected ocean and climate risks.

Read more here: https://www.europeanpolarboard.org/news/epb-input-to-the-ec-call-for-evidence-on-the-ocean-act/

Adres

A Working Lab Universum Universums Gränd 8
The Hague
90736

Meldingen

Wees de eerste die het weet en laat ons u een e-mail sturen wanneer European Polar Board nieuws en promoties plaatst. Uw e-mailadres wordt niet voor andere doeleinden gebruikt en u kunt zich op elk gewenst moment afmelden.

Delen