The IPY 2012 Conference will be held in Montréal, Canada, April 22-27. The Conference will draw on examples and best practices of the application of this knowledge to policies, programs and education, as well as to observation systems and networks and other actions. It will provide a valuable opportunity to demonstrate and apply the latest findings of polar research on a broad range of topics from oceans and sea ice, to permafrost, vegetation and wildlife, to changes in Arctic communities and beyond.

The Conference is being organized around four main areas:

1) Highlight the latest polar science findings: The conference mwill be an opportunity for international researchers to present interdisciplinary research and indigenous knowledge from the polar regions, as well as the highlights of the IPY research.

2) Synthesize knowledge and results into system-scale understandings: The From Knowledge to Action Conference will draw on IPY and other polar research along with recent assessments to provide a synthesis of knowledge in areas critical to the polar environments and the well-being of circumpolar and indigenous communities at different scales.

3) Link knowledge to action: The Knowledge to Action Conference will provide an opportunity for scientists, northern communities, policy-makers, industry and other stakeholders to discuss the application of the scientific results to issues facing the polar regions.

4) Advance public engagement to further action on polar issues: Engaging various audiences on polar science through communication, outreach, capacity building, and education initiatives creates an informed citizenry with a deeper understanding of the importance of the Polar Regions and their role in global systems. Education, information, awareness, dialogue, advocacy and action are all part of the communication continuum. A special emphasis will be placed under this area of the conference on communicating science to support the use and application of research results.

Four science themes

The steering committee presents a preliminary list of session titles. These are presented as examples of topics for polar science highlights, synthesis and integration:

1. Linkages between Polar Regions and the globe and space

2. Past, present and future changes in the Polar Regions

3. Polar ecosystems, biodiversity and effects of human activities

4. Human dimension of changes: health, society, culture and resources

For the full list of topics follow the link. You are invited to respond to the proposal. Are the sessions appropriate? How do you see that synthesis could be fitted in? What are your suggestions for the topics or the approach to link new knowledge on the Polar Regions with actions? On education and outreach and communication, what topics interest you for presentations or workshops?

The abstracts deadline will be October 2011. 2^nd Circular is due in March 2011.

Photo: Kristen Ulstein
The IPY community will meet again in Montréal in April 2012.Visit the conference organizers online at http://www.ipy2012montreal.ca/  to provide feedback or keep yourself updated about the planning in progress. An early response by November 19 would be appreciated.

Send an e-mail to mailto:ipy2012montreal@nrc.gc.ca  to be included in the mailing list.