This is the most important annual gathering of Arctic Research Organisations and will attract around 1,000 Arctic researchers from around the world to the city.
Henry Burgess, President of the International Arctic Science Committee and Head of the Natural Environment Research Council Arctic Office will chair the local organising committee. Henry said,
‘It is more important than ever that researchers across the Arctic are able to meet to develop new partnerships to understand the breadth and depth of change. So I am delighted that Edinburgh will be the host of our Arctic Science Summit Week in March 2024. This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that scientists across the city, Scotland and the United Kingdom bring to Arctic science. I know that international researchers will receive a really warm welcome and I look forward to working with all the event’s partners to deliver a very special event.’
The original proposal came from the NERC Arctic Office and the UK Arctic and Antarctic Partnership (UKAAP), with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Edinburgh’s bid to host was put forward by the Scottish Arctic Network, with support from the Scottish Government, SAGES and MASTS, after the invitation was accepted by IASC to hold the events in the UK.
Scotland’s strong links to the Arctic
Scottish Government Director for External Affairs, Scott Wightman said: “We’re delighted that Edinburgh has been chosen to host Arctic Science Summit Week in 2024, showing Scotland's strong links to the Arctic region and our longstanding tradition of Arctic research, including in relation to the climate emergency. The Scottish Government looks forward to working with the Scottish Arctic Network and partners to welcome the world’s Arctic research community to Scotland.”
Professor Finlo Cottier, Chair of Scottish Arctic Network said, “Scotland is the closest part of the UK to the Arctic and shares a lot of the historic and cultural ties with Arctic communities. Over the years Scottish universities have made a significant contribution to the UK activity in the Arctic, working closely with Arctic nations and sharing expertise and knowledge. The community of Arctic researchers in Scotland, through the Scottish Arctic Network, is excited to support Edinburgh as the host venue for Arctic Science Summit Week 2024.”
Opportunities for early career researchers from the start
Events will take place from 21 – 29 March 2024 around the capital, including at the University of Edinburgh. Early career researchers have been involved from the start. Dr Anna Gebruk, Vice President, UK Polar Network 2021/2022 was one of the key authors of the application to host the conference.
“Hosting such a big and important international scientific event as is the ASSW24 in Edinburgh is truly exciting for the community of early career researchers with polar interests. Not only does it allow us to meet and connect with the world-leading experts in the field, but also it provides opportunities to get involved in the running of the event behind the scenes through volunteering and helping the organising committee, which is always a fun and enriching experience”.
We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Edinburgh
Edinburgh and Scotland are a natural home for the conference, as Scotland is the closest part of the UK to the Arctic with strong research connections. Dr Richard Essery from the University of Edinburgh said “The University of Edinburgh has strong terrestrial, marine, cryospheric and cultural research interests in the Arctic and draws on broad experience, nationally and internationally, through the Scottish Arctic Network, the UK Arctic and Antarctic Partnership, UArctic and the International Arctic Science Committee. We are excited to welcome international Arctic scientists to our beautiful home city for ASSW 2024.”
To find out more about the conference and to get involved, please contact Tessa Bell, Senior Partnerships Advisor, The University of Edinburgh at tessa.bell@ed.ac.uk.
Find out more about Arctic Science Summit Week
