By: Volker Rachold, Executive Secretary, International Arctic Science Committee
The Third International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP III)
The scientific, political, and economic interest in the Arctic is rapidly growing and the increasing number of Arctic and polar research programs requires a better coordination in order to agree on shared objectives and ensure the best value for funds spent. Consequently, the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) initiated the planning of a third International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP III) and invited all interested partner organizations to participate in shaping the future of Arctic research needs. ICARP III is a process to:
- Identify Arctic science priorities for the next decade;
- Coordinate various Arctic research agendas;
- Inform policymakers, people who live in or near the Arctic, and the global community; and
- Build constructive relationships between producers and users of knowledge.
Beginning with a formal launch at Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) 2014 in Finland and culminating in a final conference at ASSW 2015 in Japan, the ICARP III program includes a series of activities, meetings, and events during 2014-2015.
Outcomes and Products
The primary outcome of ICARP III will be an inventory of reports and recommendations from the various ICARP III activities. Each ICARP III activity will report back to the ICARP III Steering Group, and based on a reporting template the Steering Group will extract the key messages and findings of the individual activities and compile a consensus statement identifying the most important Arctic research needs for the next decade.
This overarching ICARP III statement, having the endorsement of all ICARP III partner organizations, will be presented at the main ICARP III conference held during ASSW 2015 in Japan.
The ICARP III outcome will also be linked to the conclusions of the forward-looking Horizon Scan conducted by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and it will include contributions to the development of the International Polar Partnership Initiative (IPPI).
Recipients
The audience of ICARP III includes the international Arctic scientific community (both individual scientists and scientific organizations), funding agencies supporting Arctic research, Arctic policymakers, and residents. All of these stakeholders will benefit from a broadly approved document identifying the priorities for forward-looking, collaborative, interdisciplinary Arctic research, and observing and providing a roadmap for research priorities and partnerships.
Further information is available here or email icarp [at] iasc.info).