International Polar Year 2007-2008
Background
The concept of the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 is of a time-limited international initiative comprising coordinated, interdisciplinary scientific research and observations in the Earth's polar regions. The purpose is to explore new scientific frontiers, to deepen our understanding of polar processes and their global linkages, to increase our ability to detect environmental and societal changes, to more fully involve Arctic residents with research activities, to attract and develop the next generation of polar scientists, engineers and logistics experts, and to capture the interest of schoolchildren, the public and decision-makers.

The official observing period of IPY 2007-2008 will be from March 1, 2007 until March 1, 2009. The main geographic focus will be the Earth’s high latitudes, but studies in any region relevant to the understanding of polar processes or phenomena will be encouraged.

Social Science Theme
The IPY will include a broad range of activities organized around a select number of scientific themes. Thanks to IASSA efforts, a social science theme has been added:

-to investigate the cultural, historical, and social processes that shape the sustainability of circumpolar human societies, and to identify their unique contributions to global cultural diversity and citizenship.

Priority issues to be addressed in the IPY 2007-2008 under this theme include:

  1. How can the "wellness" of polar environments be studied in terms of changing socio-political conditions and the health of ecosystems?
  2. What has been the effectiveness of governance regimes in polar regions, and how can these respond to the divergent and rapidly evolving cultural and socio-economic systems?
  3. What research methodologies are best suited to an interdisciplinary understanding of the fundamental links between ecosystems, economies and cultural diversity? How can polar residents become more instrumental in shaping these activities; and how can social sciences, humanities, and fine arts communicate this understanding to diverse audiences?
  4. What are the key human health and medical issues in polar regions? How, for example, are diseases carried into polar communities and how is community health affected by environmental change?
  5. How can historical studies and records of the polar regions enhance understanding of contemporary social and cultural problems?
  6. What do the polar societies contribute to global cultural diversity and the political status of indigenous people worldwide?

For each theme, IPY also specifies goals for data collection. For the social science theme, IPY calls for "the creation of datasets on the changing conditions of circumpolar human societies."

Criteria
Expressions of intent (pre-proposals) are expected to demonstrate that the project will meet the following criteria:

  1. Makes significant advances within one or more IPY 2007-2008 themes;
  2. Involves at least one polar region and takes place within the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe;
  3. Contributes to international collaboration;
  4. Presents a viable management plan and organizational structure, including a timeline when commitments (funding, logistic, etc.) can be expected;
  5. Presents a viable approach for securing funding;
  6. Proposes a viable plan for securing appropriate logistical support;
  7. Signs up to the principles and aims of IPY 2007-2008 data management and proposes a viable data management plan;
  8. Proposes a viable plan or approach for education, outreach and communication activities;
  9. Show how it will foster the next generation of polar researchers.

Some additional criteria that add further value are:

  1. Includes nations not traditionally involved in polar research;
  2. Provides the opportunity for a legacy of infrastructure (observation sites, facilities, systems).
  3. Builds on existing plans, programmes or initiatives or at least does not conflict with them;
  4. Has interdisciplinary elements;
  5. Is “endorsed” by one or more IPY 2007-2008 National Committees.

Further Information
For further information about IPY and its call for proposals, please see the IPY website: www.ipy.org

For further information about the IASSA IPY facilitation initiative, please go to www.uaf.edu/anthro/iassa/ipysubmitform.htm

Historical images from the Russian report on the IPY 1881-1883
Historical images from the Russian report on the IPY 1881-1883


Sincere thanks to the U.S. National Science Foundation for support for this project.

Questions? Contact Anne Sudkamp at <fyiassa@uaf.edu>.

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