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.
APECS is seeking a primary host institution or consortium for its International Directorate (including the Executive Director and supporting staff) from January 2027.
In addition, institutions or consortia are invited to submit bids to:
- host a satellite office of the International Directorate, increasing and diversifying the activities of APECS through additional staffing capacity
- sponsor activities organized by the International Directorate that directly benefit the polar early career community.
By hosting the APECS International Directorate, your institution ensures support for the next generation of polar stewards. APECS’ network includes 32 National Committees and 5800+ members around the world. The APECS International Directorate helps boost the reputation and international profile of its hosts, in part due to APECS’ role in international polar research coordination processes and longstanding relationships with organizations like SCAR and IASC. APECS is part of the International Polar Year (IPY) 2032-2033 Planning Group and foresees an increase in projects and engagement opportunities as we approach the IPY itself. APECS welcomes and encourages potential linkages between its hosting arrangement and the IPY-5 International Coordination Office, for which a host selection process is also currently underway.
Interested parties can find more information in the full call text that is accompanied by an information package. Potential hosts/sponsors must contact the APECS International Directorate with a non-binding statement to indicate their interest by 14 December 2025 and submit a full bid by 15 February 2026.
Please contact the APECS International Directorate (info@apecs.is) with any questions.