Connecting People in Polar Science: Participation, Community Building from Early Career Perspectives
This Townhall meeting aims to provide an open and interactive forum to share information about APECS activities and to facilitate discussion on how early career engagement, participation, and community-driven initiatives can strengthen polar science and its connections to society. Rather than focusing on scientific results, the meeting will center on people, processes, and participation, complementing the scientific sessions of the European Geosciences Union General Assembly by addressing the social and collaborative dimensions of polar research.
The target audience includes early career scientists across disciplines, senior researchers interested in mentorship and community engagement, educators, science communicators, and conference participants working at the interface of polar science, society, and policy. The Townhall is open to all registered participants, both on-site and online, and is particularly relevant for those interested in inclusive research cultures, interdisciplinary, participatory practices, and long-term capacity building in polar and cryosphere research.
The meeting will begin with a brief overview of APECS, followed by short contributions highlighting selected community-driven initiatives related to training, mentorship, science communication, and public engagement. The second half of the Townhall will feature a short, moderated panel discussion, followed by an open-floor dialogue inviting participants to share perspectives on current needs, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening early career participation in polar science. Topics may include barriers to engagement, inclusive community practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ways to better connect scientific research with societal actors.
Expected outcomes include increased awareness of APECS activities, exchange of experiences and ideas across career stages and disciplines, and the identification of priorities for future community-led initiatives. The Townhall aims to foster dialogue, networking, and collaboration, contributing to a more inclusive, connected, and resilient polar research community beyond the conference.
The oral presentations are given in a hybrid format supported by a Zoom meeting featuring on-site and virtual presentations. The button to access the Zoom meeting appears just before the time block starts.