Help shape the future of polar research! Workshop 29 September at Geocentrum
On 29 September, researchers at Uppsala University with an interest in polar issues are invited to Geocentrum to discuss the most important future issues in polar research. The meeting at Geocentrum forms part of a national workshop led by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and is part of Sweden’s preparations for the fifth International Polar Year, IPY 2032–2033 (International Polar Year (IPY) 2032–2033). Researchers from all scientific disciplines are welcome to take part in this kick-off event for the next International Polar Year.
Veijo Pohjola, Professor of Physical Geography at the Department of Earth Sciences. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
All subject areas are relevant
The polar regions are currently undergoing a rapid transformation. Ice and snow cover are changing, permafrost is thawing and ecosystems are being affected, which in turn has a direct or indirect impact on society. These changes raise questions spanning a wide range of research fields, and it is likely that most of the university’s research areas have relevant questions to address in connection with the planned Polar Year.
Veijo Pohjola, Professor of Physical Geography at the Department of Earth Sciences is also the Uppsala University hub leader for the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat’s IPY Forum for the workshop to be held at Geocentrum 29 September.
– We have seen a very significant warming of the Earth’s polar regions, which is causing rapid changes to various parts of the polar landscape. To understand what is happening, we need to collect data and monitor these changes over time, says Veijo Pohjola, Professor of Physical Geography at Uppsala University. At the same time, research from many different fields is needed to understand the changes in the polar regions. That is why I hope that researchers from across the university will come forward and contribute their perspectives, says Veijo Pohjola.
The workshop on 29 September provides an opportunity for researchers from different disciplines to meet, discuss research topics and explore potential collaborations with a view to identifying the issues to which Sweden should contribute during the forthcoming Polar Year. The national meeting will be chaired by Ulf Jonsell at the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, whilst the discussions taking place locally at Uppsala University will be coordinated by Veijo Pohjola. Around ten Swedish higher education institutions will be connected to the national meeting and will take part in the discussions locally.
Researchers from across the university are needed
The workshop is aimed at researchers, PhD students, Master’s students and other experts in all scientific disciplines. Current issues relevant to future IPY planning will be discussed under the following themes: Theme 1: Observing the Polar Regions; Theme 2: Understanding Connections, Change and Consequences; Theme 3: Polar Knowledge, People and Societies; Theme 4: Anticipating the Future (https://www.polar.se/ipy-2032-2033/)
Date: 29 September 2026
Time: 08.30–16.30
Venue: The meeting will take place in person at Geocentrum, Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University. Room: Östersjön, Ek121. The meeting will be held in person, with a digital link to the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat as part of a hybrid meeting. The national meeting will introduce and summarise the issues. Local discussions will take place as breakout sessions at each higher education institution and will be reported back to the national meeting. This will be done step by step, theme by theme, as each topic is discussed.
Language: English
Around a week before the workshop, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat will invite all registered participants to a short online introductory seminar.
Register and find out more at the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat: https://www.polar.se/ipy-2032-2033/swedish-national-ipy-v-scoping-workshop-29-september-2026/
Please note: Also register with Veijo Pohjola at the same time, so that we can organise a meeting room of a suitable size.
For further information, please contact Veijo Pohjola, Professor of Physical Geography.
Telephone: 018-471 25 09
Mobile: 070-961 71 60
Email: Veijo.Pohjola@geo.uu.se
Facts
Key facts about the Polar Year
IPY 2032–2033 is the fifth International Polar Year. Preparations are being led jointly by the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). Other organisations involved in this work include the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the International Science Council (ISC), as well as organisations representing Arctic social sciences, young polar researchers, and research and education in the Arctic. Indigenous peoples, people living in the polar regions and other relevant stakeholders will also be able to contribute to the planning.
In Sweden, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat is coordinating the preparations for Sweden’s participation. The workshop on 29 September forms part of this work.
Background
The first Polar Year took place in 1882–1883 and the second in 1932–1933. In 1957–1958, the International Geophysical Year was held, covering research across the entire globe. The fourth International Polar Year took place in 2007–2009, and plans are now underway for the fifth International Polar Year, IPY V, in 2032–2033.