We are deeply grateful to the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) for hosting the APECS International Directorate and subsequently an APECS Project Office over nine years, and for AWI's invaluable support shaping global activities with, by and for early career researchers (ECRs).
The final EU project in which the APECS Project Office at AWI/in Potsdam was involved was Arctic PASSION (July 2021-December 2025). Among the project's highlights were the APECS & Arctic PASSION Sharing Circle event for early career professionals and Arctic youth, the coordination of ECR engagement within the project, and various activities for external ECRs, such as the Online Seminar & Dialogue Series.
Looking back
From February 2017 to January 2022, AWI kindly hosted the APECS International Directorate. In summer 2020, after 7 years in APECS leadership, Executive Director Gerlis Fugmann passed the torch to Josefine Lenz, who led the International Directorate until January 2022. Under her leadership, a new home for the International Directorate was found at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Following the relocation, work at AWI continued as the APECS Project Office from February 2022 to December 2025, ensuring continuity in project coordination, partnership building, and community engagement.
During the International Directorate's time in Potsdam, the APECS network flourished - expanding its membership, diversifying its activities, and becoming a trusted partner in major international research collaborations. Three multi-year Horizon 2020 projects - INTERACT, ARICE, and Arctic PASSION - were coordinating APECS initiatives from this office, reinforcing its role as an integral part of the global polar research community. Over the years, many dedicated colleagues worked to support the APECS network, initiatives and projects: Heike Midleja, Svenja Holste, Boris Radosavljevic, Franziska Pausch, Nadine Hillenbrand, and others who lent their commitment, creativity and friendship along the way. To each of you, thank you.
Looking ahead
As APECS closes a chapter in Potsdam, the connections, achievements, and lessons we’ve shared will continue to shape the next stages of APECS. The collaboration with AWI has been invaluable in supporting early career researchers and building lasting international partnerships. With deep appreciation for everyone who contributed to this period, APECS now looks ahead to new opportunities and continued growth in its mission to connect and empower the next generation of polar and cryosphere researchers.
We personally want to thank all our APECS International Directorate colleagues and the entire APECS network for many wonderful years together. We are very grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this vibrant community and continue to remain connected to you.
Thank you,
Lisa Grosfeld and Josefine Lenz (most recently Arctic PASSION project managers)
