The NERC Arctic Office is seeking nominations for six new United Kingdom representatives on the International Arctic Science Committee’s Atmosphere (two positions), Cryosphere, Marine, Social and Human (maternity cover) and Terrestrial Working Groups. The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 28 November 2025.
IASC is the international scientific organisation that encourages and facilitates cooperation and supports significant Arctic research connections across the globe. Its Strategic Plan setting out priorities and actions is available here: https://iasc.info/about/publications-documents/organisational-and-strategic
IASC Working Groups encourage and support science-led international programmes by offering important opportunities for planning and coordination, and by facilitating communication and access to infrastructure. Each of the five IASC Working Groups is comprised of representatives from IASC’s 25 member countries. Further information on IASC and individual Working Groups: http://www.iasc.info/ and http://iasc.info/working-groups
As the United Kingdom’s adhering body to IASC, the NERC Arctic Office is responsible for appointing both representatives to each of IASC’s five Working Groups. The United Kingdom’s IASC Council representative is the Head of the Arctic Office, supported as appropriate by the Working Group representatives and others.
Role
Representatives are expected to be active members of the Working Groups, representing United Kingdom science interests and promoting increased international collaboration. This will involve working closely with other members of the Working Group and with members of the other four IASC Working Groups. It is expected that the representatives will:
- Identify areas where current research is lacking, with particular attention to areas where interdisciplinary action should be undertaken;
- Encourage and facilitate international research programmes and initiate conferences, workshops and educational events, including interdisciplinary events, to assist in addressing key research gaps, especially those which can benefit from international collaboration;
- Encourage the exchange and dissemination of research-related information, including with relevant international, regional and national Arctic science organisations;
- Encourage the initiation and maintenance of observational systems and associated data and coordination with other long-term observational programmes of relevance to the Arctic;
- Provide scientific advice to the IASC Council and other international and United Kingdom organisations as required, including the NERC Arctic Office;
- Work closely with the NERC Arctic Office in disseminating the work of the Working Groups and Council to the UK Arctic research community; and
- Develop and nurture strong links with the corresponding thematic UK research community to ensure that their interests, ideas and suggestions are reflected in the representative’s input to the Working Group, and that there is a strong two-way flow of information.
There is also an expectation that at least one of the two representatives from each Working Group will sit on the UK Arctic and Antarctic Partnership (UKAAP) Steering Committee.
Eligibility
To be eligible a nominee should be based in the United Kingdom and be able to demonstrate how they meet the following criteria:
- Research interests and expertise that align with the scientific scope of the relevant Working Group and the IASC Strategic Plan;
- Active involvement with the United Kingdom Arctic science research community;
- Experience or strong interest in representing their thematic science interests in a national or international setting; and
- Evidence of a strong commitment to interdisciplinary working; and the ability to build and sustain positive and influential networks.
Meetings
In order to fulfil the duties as the United Kingdom representative on the Working Groups, it is important that the representative be present at the annual IASC Working Group meetings, which normally take place during the Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW), in addition to other ad hoc meetings during the year. The next ASSW meetings will be held in:
- ASSW 2026 in Aarhus, Denmark from 25 March – 1 April 2026
- ASSW 2027 in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan from 12 – 20 April 2027
- ASSW 2028 in Porto, Portugal in March 2028
- ASSW 2029 in Stockholm, Sweden in March 2029
- IASC-SCAR Conference (POLAR) 2030 in Incheon, Korea (Date TBC)
The main Working Group meetings held during the ASSW are usually hybrid, although applicants are encouraged to attend in person where possible. Interim ad hoc meetings are usually online. Where candidates have the means to attend the annual IASC Working Group meetings in person, through financial support from their affiliated institution or other sources, it will be helpful to identify this within the application. The NERC Arctic Office is not able to provide travel support.
Selection
All nominations for the Working Groups will be reviewed by the Head of the NERC Arctic Office, supported by a small advisory group from the UK Arctic and Antarctic Partnership Steering Committee. The final decision rests with the NERC Arctic Office. Terms – other than for the maternity cover for the Social and Human Working Group – will be for up to four years, with the possibility of a single renewal, following a review after the first term. Shorter terms may be offered to ensure appropriate continuity on the Working Group between representatives through overlapping terms.
Self-nominations are welcome, as are nominations from early/mid-career researchers and nominations which reflect the breadth and diversity of the UK Arctic research community. Nominations from researchers working in the United Kingdom, but who are not British citizens, are equally welcome.
Applications, including the following information, should be sent to the NERC Arctic Office via arctic@bas.ac.uk by 28 November 2025:
- A short nomination or self-nomination letter (one page A4 maximum) which lists the candidate’s name, organisation, areas of expertise and knowledge, and how the candidate meets the eligibility requirements. Confirmation of ability to attend IASC Working Group meetings is required. Where financial means are available to support in-person attendance this information should be included.
- A short CV which provides evidence of the candidate’s Arctic science-related achievements, including research or policy-related activities, publications, memberships, awards and distinctions.
Receipt of applications will be confirmed by e-mail. For further information or if you have any questions, please contact Henry Burgess, NERC Arctic Office (henry.burgess@bas.ac.uk)