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Alice Guzzi - APECS ExCom 2026-2027
ItalyCiao! I’m Alice, an Italian Marine Ecologist based in Genoa, currently working as a Research Fellow at the University of Genoa within the Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA). My research focuses on the conservation and biodiversity of Antarctic marine invertebrates. I specialize in DNA barcoding and reverse taxonomy, particularly applied to Antarctic echinoderms, work that has contributed to revising and expanding the species checklist for Terra Nova Bay. Driven by a passion for public engagement, I co-founded St[r]anding, a citizen science project dedicated to monitoring and collecting data on stranded marine fauna. In 2026, I launched "SottoZer0°", a science communication podcast designed to translate complex polar and ocean science into engaging, accessible narratives. By blending scientific rigor with storytelling, the project promotes ocean literacy and fosters long-term public awareness ahead of the 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5, 2032–33). Beyond the lab, I am fascinated by the history of polar exploration. I also have a deep passion for botany, which I channel into botanical watercolor painting and cultivating my own vibrant indoor urban jungle.
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Klara Köhler - APECS ExCom 2026-2027
DenmarkHey there! I’m Klara, a polar environmental scientist based between Germany and Denmark. My polar research journey started during my Master’s, where I joined my first two Arctic research cruises on board the RV Polarstern. I also got the chance to join a chemical oceanography course at UNIS in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, which further strengthened my interest in Arctic oceanography. For my PhD, I moved to Aarhus University in Denmark, where I added the world of glaciers to my previous marine-focused studies. My PhD project is on subglacial nutrient release and how fine glacial sediments get exported to downstream environments. Here I also joined APECS Denmark as a board member where I, among other things, represented APECS on the local organizing committee for the ASSW 2026. Alongside my research, I’m passionate about an inclusive polar research community and science communication. I first became involved in the latter when working as deputy editor-in-chief at the student magazine at my bachelor’s university. Later I also worked as student assistant in the Media and Communication group at the AWI in Bremerhaven during my Master’s and currently I’m the ECR on the Editorial Board of the State of Environmental Science in Svalbard Report (SESS Report). In addition, I am strongly committed to the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in research. To this end, I have been a member of the APECS DEI project group since 2024, where my work includes compiling an overview of guidelines for more inclusive fieldwork, and co-organized and hosted a workshop on inclusive fieldwork at the ASSW 2026.
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Marta Moreno Ibáñez - APECS ExCom 2026-2027
CanadaI am an atmospheric scientist with strong passion for advancing science and advocating for human rights. I am originally from Spain, but I live in Canada since 2016. I recently obtained a PhD in Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate from the University of Reading (UK). My research has focused on polar lows, which are intense maritime storms that develop at high latitudes. I have conducted simulations of polar lows with atmospheric models to analyze the impact of horizontal resolution and initial conditions on the representation of these cyclones. In addition, I have engaged in science communication throughout my career.
Before becoming an atmospheric scientist, I studied bachelor’s degrees in psychology and social work, followed by a master’s degree in human rights, and I worked for human rights organizations. My interest in the human right to a healthy environment and my love for science led me to complete a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences and start a career as atmospheric scientist. During my master’s degree, I had the opportunity to study one semester at the University of Tromsø (UiT), Norway, and that’s where I fell in love with the Arctic!
I have studied and/or worked in Spain, New Zealand, Madagascar, Sweden, UK, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, USA and Canada. Living in different countries has been an extremely enriching experience as I have learnt about other cultures and met wonderful people from different countries. Working with people from all over the world is one of the things I most enjoy at APECS. I joined APECS in 2019, and I undertook different leadership positions, including 2021-2022 President. Unfortunately, I had to step away from APECS for some time, but now I have time to get involved in APECS again. I am eager to work with this amazing network of early career researchers again!
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Swati Nagar - APECS ExCom 2026-2027
IndiaDr. Swati Nagar is a science communication and outreach specialist at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. With a background and a PhD in Zoology, she has over a decade of experience in bridging science and society through strategic communication, public engagement, and capacity-building initiatives. At NCPOR, Swati play an important role in outreach and science communication activities aimed at increasing public awareness and understanding of polar and ocean sciences. She has coordinated numerous national-level outreach programmes, exhibitions educational initiatives, and science communication campaigns that have engaged thousands of students, educators, policymakers, and members of the public across India. Her work focuses on making polar research accessible and relevant to diverse audiences through innovative communication approaches, digital media, and stakeholder engagement.
Swati has actively contributed to international polar outreach and capacity-building efforts through her long-standing involvement with the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS). She served as APECS National Committee Coordinator (2018–2020), coordinated activities among multiple national committees, contributed to the APECS Strategic Plan 2021–2025, and participated in several international outreach initiatives, including Polar Weeks, Antarctica Day programmes, and the Arctic Science Summit Week organizing process. She is a member of the Social and Human Working Groups of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC).
Her professional interests include science communication, public engagement with polar and ocean sciences, capacity building, educational outreach, and fostering international collaboration. Through her work, she seeks to strengthen connections between scientific research, policy, and society while inspiring the next generation of polar researchers and informed global citizens.
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Youri Renkema- APECS ExCom 2026-2027
The NetherlandsHallo allemaal! My name is Youri Renkema, and I am currently pursuing an MSc in Forest and Nature Conservation, building on a background in ecology and environmental sciences. During my studies, I also followed courses in marine sciences in Portugal, which further strengthened my interest in ocean and polar systems. Over time, my interests have shifted toward governance and policy, particularly polar policymaking, where I hope to build my future.
Coming from a natural science background while actively engaging with policy and diplomacy, I am especially interested in strengthening the connection between science and decision-making. I believe effective polar governance depends on meaningful collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, and I hope to contribute by helping bridge these worlds through well-informed dialogues and interdisciplinary thinking.
Alongside my academic interests, I have been actively involved in APECS Netherlands since February 2023. In October 2023, I was elected President of the national committee, a role through which I have worked to strengthen the Dutch early-career polar community and expand collaborations both nationally and internationally. During my presidency, I have closely collaborated with organizations such as the Netherlands Polar Programme (NPP), the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several international embassies.
I have also actively participated in international polar events, including the Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW), the Polar Early Career World Summit (PECWS) in 2025, and the SCAR Open Science Conference in 2026. At PECWS 2025, I contributed to the published synthesis report, focusing on perspectives and priorities of early-career polar researchers.
