Connecting Science with Society

EU-PolarNet (continuing as EU-PolarNet 2) is the world’s largest consortium of expertise and infrastructure for polar research. Seventeen countries are represented by 22 of Europe’s internationally-respected multi-disciplinary research institutions. From 2015-2020 EU-PolarNet will develop and deliver a strategic framework and mechanisms to prioritise science, optimise the use of polar infrastructure, and broker new partnerships that will lead to the co-design of polar research projects that deliver tangible benefits for society. By adopting a higher degree of coordination of polar research and operations than has existed previously the consortium engages in closer cooperation with all relevant actors on an international level. 

Polar issues have been rising up the political agenda across Europe over the past decade. The rising level of investment now being made by governments is a clear demonstration of how critical polar research outcomes are for informing policy objectives, including those relating to climate change, energy security, global food security, innovation and economic growth. EU-PolarNet nurtures an ongoing dialogue between policymakers, business and industry leaders, local communities and scientists to increase mutual understanding and identify new ways of working that will deliver economic and societal benefits. This consortium brings together science, business and policy teams with highly regarded expertise in the field of stakeholder and public engagement. EU-Polarnet is a Horizon 2020 funded Coordination Action.

EU-PolarNet benefits from its close cooperation with the European Polar Board (EPB). The EPB is the voice for the European polar research community and a high-level facilitator of cooperation between European national funding agencies, national polar institutes and research organisations. The outcomes from EU-PolarNet will combine with EPB’s role and mission in providing strategic polar science policy advice to the European Commission and other international bodies. A major benefit of the involvement and support of the EPB is that the legacy of EU-PolarNet will be reliably sustained by the Board into the future.  

For further information please visit http://www.eu-polarnet.eu/