W1: Shaping Polar Science: Collaboration, Inclusion, and IPY 2032-33

Convenors: Jihoon Jeong, Annette Scheepstra, Inga Beck, Akiho Shibata, Adriana M. Gulisano, Rose Leeger

As the 5th International Polar Year (IPY 2032-33) approaches, the polar research community has a unique opportunity to plan a scientifically ambitious, inclusive, and collaborative program. This workshop serves as a catalyst for the Joint SCAR-IASC POLAR 2030 Conference in Incheon and broader IPY preparations, building on lessons from OSC 2024, Hiroshima ATCM 2026 and previous initiatives. All interested participants are invited to join this interactive session.
The workshop begins with a 20-minute plenary providing scene-setting context, with brief introductions of the four thematic areas (5 minutes each): POLAR 2030 planning, science and peace in Antarctica, survey-based reflections on institutional structures and research practices, and DEI lessons from OSC 2024. These introductions provide the foundation for the 50-minute interactive workshops into three groups, where participants collaboratively explore thematic priorities, inclusive participation strategies, DEI challenges, and sustainable approaches to Arctic and Antarctic research.
The session concludes with a 20-minute wrap-up, including a 10-minute summary of workshop outcomes and 10 minutes for responses to pre-determined questions, fostering reflection, discussion, and actionable insights. Participants will contribute recommendations on participant engagement, capacity-building, equitable research practices, and collaborative Arctic–Antarctic coordination.
Ultimately, this workshop aims to create a launchpad for POLAR 2030, fostering a globally connected, culturally respectful, policy-relevant, and scientifically ambitious program. By promoting peace, inclusion, and sustainability and leveraging the collective expertise of diverse stakeholders, the session will support IPY-5 goals and lay the groundwork for a transformative IPY 2032-33.

W3: Implementing Early Career Engagement and Priorities in IPY-5 and Antarctica InSync

Convenors: Axel Schlindwein ,Sarah Strand, Mariama Dryák-Vallies

Building on the outcomes of the Polar Early Career World Summit (PECWS) 2025, this workshop – hosted by the APECS International Directorate – will advance the conversation on how ECR engagement can be enhanced and ECR priorities can move from vision to implementation in the planning of Antarctica InSync activities and the lead-up to the next International Polar Year (IPY).

The workshop will highlight concrete opportunities for ECRs to contribute directly to IPY preparations and will provide a space to identify coordination mechanisms, strengthen community momentum, and establish clear pathways for sustained engagement. The workshop aims to ensure that early-career perspectives inform both strategy and practice for long-term polar research planning. Participants will get the chance to connect across disciplines and national initiatives to discuss how ECR perspectives can be effectively integrated into planning and implementation from a personal to an international scale.

Participation is open to everyone – including community members that are not connected to Antarctic InSync or have not engaged with IPY planning efforts yet. We will provide an introduction to IPY-5 and Antarctica InSync to inform everyone that has not been involved before.

W5: Engaging SCAR Groups in SCAR CBET Activities

Details tbc

W7: Antarctic Near-Shore and Terrestrial Observation System (ANTOS)

Convenors: Sharon Robinson, Ian Hogg, Megumu Tsujimoto

The SCAR ANTOS Expert Group aims to establish a biologically focussed, integrated and coordinated Antarctic-wide observation, to identify and track environmental variability and change at biologically relevant scales, and to use this information to inform biological, physical, and earth science studies.

W9: Southern Ocean Air-sea Flux Measurements

Convenors: Channing Prend, Richard Sanders, Sebastiaan Swart, Marcel du Plessis, Isabelle Giddy, Mariana Miracca-Lage, Sandy Thomalla, Bronte Tilbrook

Southern Ocean Air Sea Fluxes of Heat and Carbon: coordination, opportunities, and technologies Air-sea fluxes of heat and carbon in the Southern Ocean are central to the ocean’s role in climate, yet we lack a large amount of high-quality data to constrain them. This is because flux measurements are challenging, and are generally acquired from multiple different observational platforms, including research and commercial vessels, buoys, and uncrewed surface vehicles, each with different uncertainties and limitations. Processed and quality-controlled CO2 data are assembled in SOCAT—the surface ocean CO2 Atlas—which is used to calculate carbon uptake by multiple groups and reported to COP via the Global Carbon Project. However, the quantity of data generated by this ‘value chain’ is in steep decline, leading to a reduction in the quality of advice offered to policymakers. In response to these various issues, multiple groups have launched independent initiatives, including the Surface Ocean CO2 Network (SOCONET) within GOOS and SOFLUX, the Air-sea Fluxes Capability Working Group of the Southern Ocean Observing System. This workshop will bring together these complementary but currently fragmented efforts.

We aim to:

• review the key target variables and uncertainties
• discuss observational strategies and data post-processing approaches
• facilitate data sharing and adoption of open-source tools

A further focus will be on coordinating basic flux observations across different platforms and potentially implementing a formal SOCONET presence within SOOS. Developing a coordinated framework is necessary to ensure that intercomparison from different observational campaigns is robust. In this way, the workshop will help to support the aims of Antarctica InSync, the UN Ocean Decade Program.

W11: Best Practice for RPAS use around Wildlife in Antarctica

Convenors: Grant Humphries, Andy Lowther, Ari Friedlander, Barbara Bollard, Robert Bialik

This workshop brings together scientists, policymakers, and drone operators to develop comprehensive guidelines for the responsible use of drones over wildlife in Antarctica. As drone technology becomes increasingly vital for research and monitoring in this remote region, it is essential to minimize potential disturbances to sensitive species such as penguins, seals, and seabirds. The workshop will focus on reviewing current research, identifying knowledge gaps, and establishing best practices to ensure that drone operations are safe, ethical, and aligned with the goals of the Antarctic Treaty System. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions, scenario planning, and expert presentations to shape practical guidance tailored to the unique environmental and regulatory context of Antarctica. The resulting recommendations will contribute to a harmonized approach for drone use that supports scientific advancement while safeguarding the region’s fragile ecosystems. This initiative underscores the importance of balancing innovation with conservation in one of the world’s last great wilderness areas.

W13: SCARFISH and SKEG: Inviting Collaboration to the SCAR Fish and Krill Groups and Exploring Areas of Overlap

Convenors: Cassandra Brooks, Dominik Bahlburg, Zephyr Sylvester, Christopher Jones, Bettina Meyer, So Kawaguchie

Krill and fish are tightly linked but under-studied components of the Southern Ocean food web, that are critically important to the functioning of Antarctic marine ecosystems. Recent syntheses have highlighted the compounding impacts of climate change, together with anthropogenic pressures such as pollution, tourism, and fisheries, on Southern Ocean ecosystems. These emphasize the critical need to assess research priorities with respect to Southern Ocean fish and krill. Improved research coordination will strengthen the understanding of these key ecosystem components and their interaction, providing much-needed information for conservation and management purposes, including for the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. This motivated a new Action Group focused on fish: SCARFISH.

SCARFISH follows the example set by the SCAR Krill Expert Group (SKEG), which has been instrumental in improving knowledge of krill biology and ecology and bringing krill research into management. SCARFISH focuses on facilitating knowledge exchange, improving coordination of research priorities, disseminating research developments, navigating data sharing, and broadening participation from underrepresented groups, which aligns closely with SKEG’s aims to strengthen collaboration, enhance science-policy connections, and expand engagement across the krill research community.

In this workshop, we introduce SKEG and SCARFISH and their respective working groups, and invite widespread input, engagement and collaboration in this new initiative. We will also seek to explore areas of overlap between the two groups.

W15: Multidisciplinary Southern Ocean Methane Research

Convenors: Katrin Linse, Andrew Thurber, Sarah Seabrook, Evelyn Workman, Mads Anderson

In recent years, publications on marine methane in the Southern Ocean by atmospheric physicists, biologists, geologists, microbiologists and oceanographers have increased. The Southern Ocean’s role in the global methane cycle and the influence of methane on the Southern Ocean ecosystems remain uncertain due to limited data from this remote region. Atmospheric methane concentrations have increased since the industrial revolution and climate change impacts are likely to affect methane in the Southern Ocean. We think it is timely to discuss a multidisciplinary interest group within SCAR to enhance awareness of this subject. This network of interested scientists could discuss the integration of multidisciplinary methane work into Antarctic InSync. We plan to have short presentation by representatives of atmospheric physics, biology, geology, microbiology and oceanography.

W17: Plastics in the Polar Regions: Building an International Research Campaign for IPY5

Convenors tbc

This workshop will bring together researchers to initiate a coordinated international effort to progress plastic research. As evidence of plastic pollution continues to grow across Arctic and Antarctic environments, there is an urgent need for harmonised methodologies, shared data frameworks, and collaborative scientific approaches. This workshop aims to lay the groundwork for a polar research campaign aligned with the goals of the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY5), fostering cross-disciplinary and cross-national cooperation. Participants will identify research priorities, explore opportunities for standardisation, discuss existing resources and plan pathways to integrate science with policy and public engagement. By uniting efforts across the polar science community, this initiative aims to advance our understanding of plastic pollution through a coordinated research effort. The outcomes of this workshop will help shape the vision and structure of a future international research campaign on plastic pollution in the polar regions. Attendance is encouraged from a wide range of disciplines, nations and career stages.

W19: Keeping People Safe in Antarctic Fieldwork: Advancing Training, Team Safety, and Shared Best Practices

Convenors: Mariama Dryák-Vallies, Axel Schlindwein, Sarah Strand, Meredith Nash

Safe working environments are essential for conducting excellent science. In Antarctica, ensuring safety is particularly critical because fieldwork takes place far from home and support networks. When something goes wrong, be it physical or interpersonal, there are few immediate outside resources easily accessible. Without intentional attention to safety, both people’s well-being and scientific productivity are at risk.

Yet, significant challenges remain. Fieldwork in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean involves harsh conditions, unfamiliar hazards, and often strenuous work. Teams bring together individuals with different authority levels and diverse backgrounds, which can create complex power dynamics. These conditions heighten vulnerability to hostile behaviors such as bullying, harassment, and identity-based exclusion. Recent reports from the United States and Australian Antarctic Programs highlight a troubling history of harassment and assault that underscores the urgency of action. Currently, few examples exist of trainings mandated by national programs that sufficiently equip people going to Antarctica with the tools or knowledge needed to address these issues.

This will be a trauma-informed, three-hour workshop grounded in the ADVANCEing FieldSafety training framework. This interactive workshop will engage participants in learning how to build group norms, practice bystander intervention, and will explore necessary improvements to field safety training design and implementation for Antarctic fieldwork. Attendees will be invited to share proven approaches to fieldwork training that have resulted in building respectful and supportive team environments, and will co-develop recommendations to inform training initiatives and guide the development of new field safety resources. Through interactive exercises and discussion, participants will gain tools to recognize, communicate about, and respond to situations that jeopardize safety, especially those involving interpersonal harm.

By the end of the workshop, participants will understand why the human aspects of field safety matter alongside the physical aspects, and should feel more confident using communication and intervention tools to interrupt inappropriate behavior. Our goal is to build capacity across international boundaries, help normalize these practices, and foster Antarctic field environments where everyone can work safely, equitably, and productively. Outcomes from the session will feed into broader discussions on training material development and community guidelines.

W21: Tourism as a Facilitator of Antarctic Research: Practical Lessons

Convenors: Katie Marx, Hanne Nielsen, Zdenka Sokolickova

This workshop is intended to bring together researchers focused on Antarctic tourism; researchers using Antarctic tourism as a platform for non-tourism-related research; industry; and government representatives. This workshop will facilitate smoother connections between researchers and potential industry hosts, building capacity amongst researchers by opening up alternative ways to access Antarctica as a research site.

We propose a workshop in the world café structure, based on three questions. Key themes will be discussed in plenary and form the basis of a publication to which all participants will be invited to contribute. The open format will allow sharing of common barriers encountered by researchers and those involved in the industry and facilitate discussion of strategies to address these Key questions:

1. How can the research sector work with IAATO, tour operators, and national competent authorities to streamline our requests for berths and data?
2. What agreements and systems need to be in place to ensure that researchers, tour operators, expedition staff, and tourists themselves are benefitting from the research taking place
3. Tourism-based research constitutes a unique type of remote Antarctic fieldwork – what hazards and risks are associated with this, and how can these be mitigated?

W23: Antarctic Environments Portal

Convenor: Ryan Fogt

Are you interested in helping to communicate Antarctic research to decision makers? If so then we would love to see you at this side event on SCAR’s Antarctic Environments Portal – a well regarded web resource which provides up-to-date and accessible summaries of current state of knowledge on scientific issues of relevance to Antarctic decision makers, and on environmental pressures likely to cause change into the future. These summaries are based on the best available science. They are intended to be concise, technically accurate, politically neutral and accessible to a broad audience. Articles published on the Portal are all peer-reviewed and grouped into thematic topics including marine, terrestrial, human activities, inland aquatic environments, atmosphere and cryosphere. The event is an informal opportunity to learn more about what the Portal is, how it operates, and ways you can get involved – including a discussion of new formats for content on the Portal in the future!

W25: The Effects of Krill Fisheries on Key Krill Predators (SC-CAMLR-SCAR InSync initiative) (external venue)

Convenor: Bettina Meyer, Alvaro Soutullo, Andrew Lowther, Elling Deehr Johannessen, Mercedes Santos, Dominik Bahlburg, Yan-Ropert Coudert

At the 2025 meeting of the CCAMLR Working Group on Ecosystem Monitoring and Management (WG-EMM), the relevance of Antarctica InSync to the work of the Commission was discussed, particularly with regard to understanding the impact of krill fisheries on key krill predators such as penguins, seals and whales in CCAMLR Subareas 48.1 and 48.2, where there is currently high fishing pressure.

Coordinating and combining tracking campaigns and krill surveys planned for the InSync period (2027-2029), and synchronising standardised data collection across multiple platforms (research and commercial vessels, autonomous platforms, and biologging) would enable us to investigate the effects of krill fisheries on key krill predators at scales never before achieved. However, this can only be achieved through a cooperative effort between CCAMLR and the SCAR community. The aim of the workshop is therefore to coordinate planned activities within the SCAR community and the CCAMLR WG-EMM within the InSync data collection timeframe (2027–2029). In the coming weeks, we will send a circular to the leadership of the relevant SCAR groups and programmes providing more detailed information about the identified research questions. This information will be shared within their communities to encourage participation in this multidisciplinary research activity.

O1: Bunger Hills – An Oasis for Collaborations

Convenors: Wojciech Miloch, Tobias Stål, Adam Nawrot, Nikita Borovkov, Svetlana Smirnova, Dmitry Golynsky, Alexander Golynsky

Bunger Hills, situated in East Antarctica adjacent to the Denman Glacier and Shackleton Ice Shelf, stands as a pivotal area for understanding the East Antarctic response to our changing climate. With its unique geography, Bunger Hills itself also offers a fertile ground for research across various disciplines.

Currently, Antarctic programs from Australia, Poland, and Russia maintain infrastructure within Bunger Hills. In addition, recent years have seen an increase in fieldwork activities, attracting participation from a diverse group of nations. This side meeting aims to bring together minds eager to shape the scientific direction of Bunger Hills for the coming decade.

This session is a call to discuss future scientific objectives, explore potential collaborations, and share interests in supporting data collection and logistical efforts, as well as to discuss the progress since the last in-person meeting at the previous SCAR OSC.

We invite you to join us in this pivotal discussion, contributing to the formulation of a collaborative scientific agenda.

O3: Southern Ocean research Input Facilitated by the DCC-SOR and Antarctica InSync

Details tbc

O5: Insights on Coordination of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science: A Perspective from the EU Polar Cluster

Convenors: Kylie Owen, Maria Grigoratou

Research coordination is recognised as a key element for SCAR to realise its vision. Convened by the EU Polar Cluster, a network of EU-funded polar research projects active in both Antarctic and Arctic regions, this session will bring together professionals from diverse disciplines and career stages to discuss how stronger polar research coordination can enhance scientific outcomes and support evidence-based policymaking in Europe and beyond.

The session will introduce the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO), serving as a central hub connecting the European polar research community, policy officers, and decision-makers, including the European Commission. Building on the legacy of the EU-PolarNet projects, EPCO strengthens Europe’s commitment to collaborative polar research.

Participants will learn how European projects contribute valuable data to Antarctic and Southern Ocean observing systems, support SCAR’s priorities, including the goals of Ant-ICON and SOOS, and produce knowledge to support international assessments and policy frameworks. Although the session will focus primarily on the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, it will welcome participants with Arctic expertise to foster a bi-polar dialogue to share experiences and lessons learned to advance polar observations and research across both poles.

O7: How to Implement a Molecular Monitoring of Microbial Diversity

Convenors: Annick Wilmotte, David Velazquez, Craig Herbold, Elie Verleyen, Don Cowan, Bjorn Tytgat, Antonio Quesada

This side activity aims to gather scientists with experience in molecular methods and discuss how to conceive and implement a monitoring plan for microorganisms, in a similar way as done for mosses, animals, etc… ? In many regions of the continent, the only biodiversity present consists of microorganisms (plus tiny invertebrates) and therefore it is relevant to prepare a strategy for a monitoring based on molecular sequences and examine the challenges. However, we could not find examples of such a molecular monitoring performed now in Antarctica, except the special case of the geothermal areas. This side activity will enable to define the gaps of knowledge, relevant experiences, and create a group of scientists who agree to work together to advance this subject of wide relevance.