The polar regions play a pivotal role in the Earth system and are particularly important for our climate. In order to understand and predict the complex processes at work in these regions, and in order to provide data-based information, the polar research community needs access to world-class research infrastructures that can function in said regions. The EU-funded POLARIN project (Polar Research Infrastructure Network) will deliver fully financed, cross-border, virtual and remote access to 64 polar research infrastructures and promote interdisciplinary research that addresses the scientific challenges in both polar regions. To make that happen, a network of partner institutes from Europe and beyond (e.g. from Canada, the USA, Great Britain, Ukraine and Chile) has been formed. POLARIN is the largest project currently being coordinated by the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). From 1 March 2024, the EU will provide 14.6 million euros for POLARIN over the next five years.

The EPB will participate in the project mainly as a lead of Outreach, Engagement and Impact work package (WP8) and also get involved in Project management (WP9).