Connecting Arctic science with decision-making - from IASC to the Arctic Council

Organized by: International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) 14. September 2017

The session “From IASC to the Arctic Council - connecting Arctic science with decision-making” builds upon recent efforts of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) to enhance its capacity to provide advice on issues of science in the Arctic and the communication of scientific knowledge to policymakers.

Saturday, October 14, 17:30 - 19:00

Invited speakers will discuss matters and challenges of connecting Arctic science with decision-making and of scientific cooperation in the region. Among others, they will cover case studies of non-Arctic countries involved in Arctic research, implementation of the Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation signed by Arctic states in May 2017, the MOSAiC project and the role of science in work of the Arctic Council. Following short presentations by each speaker, the floor will be open to questions and comments from the audience to further inform IASC’s efforts in more effective provision of scientific knowledge and advice to policy-makers.

Speakers:

  • Volker Rachold, Head, German Arctic Office, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research: Collaboration between International Arctic Science Committee and the Arctic Council – from the past into the future
  • Lars-Otto Reiersen, Executive Secretary, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) Arctic Council Working Group: From scientific input to policy recommendations in assessing state of Arctic environment
  • Henry Burgess, Head, NERC Arctic Office, British Antarctic Survey, UK: A non-Arctic country perspective on connecting Arctic science to decision-making: successes, challenges and hopes for the future
  • Allison A. Fong, MOSAiC Ecosystems Working Group Coordinator, Postdoctoral Scholar, Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Germany: MOSAiC – forging international cooperation towards enhancing our understanding of regional and global consequences of Arctic climate change
  • Kelly Falkner, Director, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, US: Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation – next steps and practical implications

Chair:

  • Gosia Smieszek, Researcher, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland / Fellow, IASC