APECS News

Polar Plunge in the Science Beyond the Polar Bears

APECS Podcast -  Episode 1/3 Listen to it in PodBeam

Welcome to the first episode from the Polar Times mini-series: “Polar Plunge in the Science Beyond the Polar Bears”.

The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) is an international and interdisciplinary organization for early career researchers with interests in the polar and alpine regions and the wider cryosphere. APECS fosters collaborations and exchange among its 5800+ members worldwide and serves as a critical link between polar research institutions and initiatives and the early career community. The APECS International Directorate is currently hosted by UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the Norwegian Polar Institute and the Fram Centre through the end of 2026.

The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) is delighted to announce Professor Stefano Schiaparelli as the recipient of the prestigious APECS International Mentorship Award for 2025. Professor Schiaparelli, Associate Professor of Zoology at the University of Genoa and Director of the Italian National Antarctic Museum, has been recognized for his exceptional dedication to mentoring the next generation of polar researchers throughout his distinguished career. His impact on early-career scientists is evidenced through his pivotal role in advancing Antarctic marine biology research, facilitating the inclusion of young researchers in Italian SCAR Science Group meetings, and securing early-career representation in national Antarctic research priorities.

The Arctic Observing Summit (AOS) is a biennial summit that aims to provide guidance based on the best available knowledge for the design, implementation, coordination and sustained long-term (decades) operation of an international network of Arctic observing systems. The AOS provides a platform to foster international communication and the widespread coordination of long-term observations aimed at improving understanding and responding to system-scale Arctic change.

The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) is looking for an early career researcher to join the Organizing Committee for the AOS 2026 and be actively involved in this committee alongside Axel Schlindwein from the APECS International Directorate.

5th China Polar Youth Forum Successfully Held in Hulunbuir

The 5th China Polar Youth Forum concluded successfully in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Hosted by the China Polar Youth Scientists Association, the forum took place in Hailar District from June 27 to 29, 2025, gathering numerous young talents and renowned experts in China’s polar and cold-region scientific fields.

Above: Group photo of the 5th China Polar Youth Forum participants

You are not applying for the IASC Fellowship Program this year? We need you to review!

The APECS International Directorate organizes the application review process and invites anyone who will not apply for the IASC Fellowships this year to help.

The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), in cooperation with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) and the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS), is launching its IASC Fellowships Program 2026. 

The IASC Fellowship Program is meant to engage early career researchers in the work of the five IASC Working Groups (WGs): 

• Atmosphere Working Group (AWG), 
• Cryosphere Working Group (CWG), 
• Marine Working Group (MWG), 
• Social & Human Working Group (SHWG) 
• Terrestrial Working Group (TWG)

Indigenous Fellows will also be invited to join the IASC Standing Committee on Indigenous Involvement (SCII) throughout their Fellowship period. 

Antartica en tu ciudad: un recorrido visual por la aventura científica

Constanza Barrientos - Millenium Institute BASE