A wider circle for European polar research
Within the framework of the Horizon2020 funded EU-PolarNet 22 research institutes have therefore jointly set out to enhance the integration of Europe's scientific and operational capabilities in the Polar Regions – and to maximise the benefits of polar research for the European society.
Global warming has led to profound changes in the Polar Regions. This has implications reaching far beyond the high latitudes. Polar issues have therefore been rising up the political agenda across Europe, increasing the demand of Europe’s policy and decision makers to better understand associated opportunities and risks. Yet much is still to be learned about the processes at play.
Since March 2015 the Horizon2020 funded coordination and support action EU-PolarNet has thus taken on the role to bundle the competences of 22 renowned, multidisciplinary institutions from 17 European countries – making it the world’s largest consortium of polar research expertise and infrastructure.
Under its leitmotiv ‘Connecting Science with Society’ EU-PolarNet aims at creating a suit of research proposals whose scientific outcomes are directly relevant and beneficial to European society and its economy. To achieve this ambitious goal the consortium will throughout the project runtime engaged in an on-going dialogue between policymakers, business and industry leaders, local communities and scientists in order to co-design an Integrated European Research Programme for the Antarctic and the Arctic.
A key role bestowed on EU-PolarNet is further to work closely with the European Commission to provide support and advice on all issues related to the Polar Regions, as well as establish close relations with international partners.
