- Science Highlights (Area 1)
- Synthesis and Integration (Area 2)
- From Knowledge to Action (Area 3)
- Public Engagement, Education and Outreach (Area 4)
Science Highlights (Area 1) and Synthesis and Integration (Area 2)
Researchers are invited to present the latest science results from the polar regions, including highlights of IPY interdisciplinary research and indigenous knowledge, to the Science Highlights and Synthesis and Integration sessions. Presentations, both oral and poster-based, will address five scientific themes:
- Polar regions and linkages to global systems and beyond
- Past, present and future changes in polar regions
- Polar ecosystems, biodiversity and effects of human activities
- Human dimension of changes: health, society, culture and resources
- New frontiers, technologies and data practices in polar research
From Knowledge to Action (Area 3)
The From Knowledge to Action sessions will cover knowledge and action in all their forms and bring together perspectives from the Arctic, Antarctic as well as the middle latitudes. Recognizing that the processes involved in translating knowledge to action are complex, sessions will explore current thinking on best practices for how knowledge is produced and translated into action. Factors that affect the extent to which knowledge makes a difference in real-world activities, operations and decision-making processes will be examined. Sessions will include practical applications of knowledge emerging from the polar regions across a broad range of sectors, projects and geographical areas, including local users, industry, business, health workers, educators, tourism, etc. Themes to be explored include:
- The Knowledge-Action Interface: Major lessons & findings emerging from the polar regions that require, and have potential for, action.
- Creating the Conditions for Action: Factors that affect who uses polar knowledge, when, where, how and for what purposes.
- Polar Knowledge in Action in Sectors and Projects: IPY findings that require, have potential for, or have resulted in action.
- Realizing Knowledge-to-Action in Policies, Management and Decision-Making Processes at all Levels: Local to global.
Public Engagement, Education and Outreach (Area 4)
Scientific research outputs from International Polar Year have deep significance, relevance and benefits to civil society. In the fourth area of the IPY 2012 From Knowledge to Action Conference, participants from around the world will work to advance public engagement to further action on polar issues. This area explores how effective public engagement can promote, explain and involve different sectors of society in dialogue and activities that can help shape our future. Keynote presentations, thought-provoking panel discussions and workshops will provide the focal points for translating polar knowledge into actions that enable people to live with, adapt to, or benefit from, our changing world. Themes include:
- Harnessing the power of digital media for citizen engagement in polar science.
- Inspiring and enthusing the next generation in the importance and value of science that benefits all.
- Engaging consumer society in the value of polar science for underpinning policy and business decisions relating to energy, climate and food security.
- Making an impact through the role of the media in influencing political, business and societal decision-making.
For more information on the Conference Program, please see the From Knowledge to Action Conference website.
Moving from Knowledge to Action on Polar Issues
Occurring at a pivotal time for the environment of our planet, the IPY 2012 From Knowledge to Action Conference draws international attention to the polar regions and global change. New scientific evidence continues to enhance our understanding of the critical role that the polar regions play in the Earth's systems. What is happening at the Poles will alter the polar environments and change the course of human and economic development.
From Knowledge to Action brings together Arctic and Antarctic researchers, policy- and decision-makers, and a broad range of interested parties from academia, industry, non-government, education, Arctic communities, and circumpolar indigenous peoples. Together these groups will address challenges, share and apply knowledge from the polar regions and discuss opportunities and solutions for adapting to global change.
The IPY 2012 Conference will contribute to the translation of new polar scientific findings into an evidence-based agenda for action that will influence global decisions, policies and outcomes over the coming years.
Please join us for the Conference from April 22 27, 2012.