International Organisations
International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)
The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) is a non-governmental organisation that promotes and facilitates international cooperation in Arctic research across all scientific disciplines. Through its Working Groups, IASC helps coordinate scientific activities, identify research priorities and support collaboration among researchers, institutions and Arctic stakeholders worldwide.
The UK is actively involved in IASC through representatives who sit on the Atmosphere, Cryosphere, Marine, Social and Human, and Terrestrial Working Groups. These representatives contribute to international scientific discussions, help shape research priorities and provide a link between the UK Arctic research community and IASC activities. Annual summaries from the UK representatives are available on our Reports and Publications page.
The UK IASC Working Group Representatives are:
Atmosphere Working Group: Dr Liam Kelleher, University of Birmingham and Dr Xin Yang, British Antarctic Survey
Cryosphere Working Group: Dr Kelly Hogan, British Antarctic Survey and Dr Karen Cameron, University of Glasgow
Marine Working Group: Prof Geraint Tarling, British Antarctic Survey and Prof Claire Mahaffey, University of Liverpool
Social and Human Development Working Group: Dr Isabelle Gapp, Aberdeen University and Dr Ingrid Medby, Newcastle University (currently on maternity leave).
Terrestrial Working Group: Prof Gareth Phoenix, Sheffield University and Prof Michael Lim, Northumbria University
Arctic Council
The United Kingdom is represented at the high-level meetings of the Council by FCDO officials. Engagement at the working level is supported by the NERC Arctic Office wherever possible. There is significant attention and cooperation to ensure that UK-based researchers are able to benefit from the actions that are expected to follow from the most recent Agreement on scientific cooperation.
Networks
UK Polar Network
The UK Polar Network (UKPN) is a UK-wide network for early-career researchers, educators and professionals interested in the polar regions. As the UK branch of APECS, it supports networking, professional development, education and outreach activities, helping to build capacity and strengthen the future polar research community.
APECS
The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) is an international network for students, researchers and educators interested in the polar regions. It supports professional development, mentoring, networking and collaboration, helping to develop the next generation of polar researchers and professionals.
UK Arctic and Antarctic Partnership
The UK Arctic and Antarctic Partnership (UKAAP) is a community-led network that brings together researchers from across the UK polar science community to promote collaboration, strategic coordination and interdisciplinary research. UKAAP also serves as the UK’s National Committee for International Polar Year (IPY) 2032–33.
Research Infrastructure and Logistics
Forum of Arctic Research Operators (FARO)
The Forum of Arctic Research Operators (FARO) is an international membership organisation that promotes cooperation, information exchange and coordination among those providing logistics and operational support for Arctic research. Its members include the operators of research stations, vessels, aircraft and other scientific infrastructure across the Arctic, helping to improve access, efficiency and collaboration in support of Arctic science.
FARO maintains information on Arctic research infrastructure and operational capabilities, supports the sharing of best practice, and facilitates international partnerships. The organisation works closely with the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and holds its annual meeting during Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW). The UK is represented through the British Antarctic Survey, reflecting its expertise in delivering polar logistics and operational support.
INTERACT
INTERACT is an international network of Arctic research stations that provides access to field sites, infrastructure and expertise across the circumpolar North. It supports UK and international researchers through collaboration, environmental monitoring and field-based research on topics such as climate change, biodiversity and permafrost.
SIOS
The Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) is an international observing network that coordinates long-term environmental research and monitoring in Svalbard. By connecting research infrastructure, data and expertise across multiple countries, SIOS supports collaborative Arctic research and improves understanding of environmental and climate change.
Observing and Monitoring Networks
Arctic Passion
Arctic PASSION was an international project that strengthened Arctic observing systems, data sharing and collaboration. By improving access to observations and information across the Arctic, it supported UK and international researchers working to better understand and respond to environmental change in the region.
SAON
Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) is an international initiative that coordinates Arctic observing and monitoring activities, helping to improve access to Arctic data and support research, decision-making and long-term environmental observation across the Arctic.
PermaCOST
The PermaCOST action is an initiative that aims to bring together expertise from across Europe in order to coordinate and standardize permafrost monitoring activities. Mihai Cimpoiasu, from the British Geological Society is now the UK representative on this group. Mihai is happy to provide further information about the cation’s work and you can contact Mihai directly to find out how you can get involved – mcim@bgs.ac.uk