Swedish National IPY V Scoping Workshop, 29 September 2026
Exploring Swedish Contributions to the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY 2032-33)
The Swedish National IPY V Scoping Workshop will bring together researchers, research infrastructures, knowledge holders, stakeholders and organisations with an interest in polar research and innovation. The workshop forms part of Sweden's preparations for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY 2032-33) and will help identify scientific opportunities, emerging priorities and areas where Sweden can make distinctive contributions.
The workshop will be conducted simultaneously through a number of university hubs across Sweden, connected through a shared national online meeting. Participants are encouraged to attend at one of the local hubs, but remote participation will also be possible, but will not be able to participate in break-out discussions on the local hubs (and will miss the social coffees).
Registration form
Hub locations
- Chalmers University of Technology
- Göteborg University
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Linnaeus University
- Luleå University of Technology
- Mid Sweden University
- Stockholm University
- Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF)
- Umeå University
- Uppsala University
Purpose
The purpose of the workshop is to identify advances in knowledge and capabilities that could be enabled through and leading up to IPY 2032-33, and to explore where Swedish research, expertise, infrastructure and partnerships could make distinctive contributions.
The workshop is intended as a forward-looking exercise. Rather than focusing on ongoing research activities, discussions will explore the questions, capabilities and collaborations that could enable transformative advances in understanding the polar regions over the coming decade.
Key framing questions include:
- What could we know in 2034 that we cannot know today?
- What would make those advances possible?
- Where could Sweden make a distinctive contribution?
- What should be the next steps for the Swedish polar research community?
Preparatory Seminar
Approximately one week before the workshop, all registered participants will be invited to a short online introductory seminar.
The seminar will provide an overview of:
- The concept and objectives of IPY V
- Recent international reports and discussions on future polar research priorities
- The workshop themes and discussion format
The seminar will be recorded and made available to participants to support preparation ahead of the workshop.
For questions about the workshop, contact:
Ulf Jonsell
Mobile: +46 76 243 87 19
ulf.jonsell@polar.se
The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat has appointed a national planning committee for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY-5), which will take place in 2032–2033.
Tentative Programme and Themes
29 September
08:30-08:50
Welcome and Framing. Introduction to IPY V and the objectives of the workshop.
08:50-10:00
Theme 1: Observing the Polar Regions
10:00-10:15
Break
10:15-11:30
Theme 2: Understanding Connections, Change and Consequences
11:30-12:20
Lunch
12:20-13:30
Theme 3: Polar Knowledge, People and Societies
13:30-13:45
Break
13:45-15:00
Theme 4: Anticipating the Future
15:00-15:15
Break
15:15-16:30
Next Steps: Developing Swedish Contributions to IPY 2032-33
Discussion Format
Each thematic session will follow a common structure:
- Short introduction by the session facilitator
- Local discussions within each hub
- National discussion and synthesis involving all participants
The exact format may be adjusted as planning progresses.
