Starting in January 2025, the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO) will function as a central contact point for European polar research community, policymakers and decision-makers, including the European Commission.  The office will build on the results of the two successful EU PolarNet projects. It will also continue to coordinate the EU Polar Cluster, a large group of EU-funded projects on polar science, to promote synergies and optimise EU investments in this field.

EPCO will represent EU-funded polar projects and European researchers, providing expert input to European policy actors, including the EC and national agencies, to inform decisions on polar priorities and challenges.

It will raise awareness among policymakers on the importance of the polar regions in the global climate systems, advocating for continued funding in EU and other agency calls.

As a network hub, EPCO will foster collaboration and promote synthesis, interaction and collaboration within the European polar community, enhancing efficiency and interconnectedness. It will also serve as a liaison, offering state-of-the-art research insights to policymakers and connecting them with relevant projects when needed.

Additionally, EPCO will engage the public through events that promote polar research and its dissemination.

EPCO in a nutshell

EPCO will undertake a variety of initiatives to support European polar science and policy. Examples of key actions include:

• Coordinate the EU Polar Cluster
• Maintain the Catalyst Platform
• Facilitate collaboration and cooperation within the European polar science community
• Conduct research prioritisation exercises when required
• Act as a connective hub for European polar observation actors
• Amplify stakeholder engagement
• Contribute to optimisation of European polar research

EPCO was officially announced by the EU Commission during the European Polar Science Week in September 2024. Read more here.