The members were selected through an open nomination process conducted in spring 2026. Following consultations with the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) and Formas, appointments were made based on a broad assessment of scientific and professional expertise, experience in polar research and related activities, representation across sectors and institutions, diversity of perspectives, and gender balance.

The committee will advise and support the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat during the initial planning phase, help identify priorities and opportunities for Sweden’s participation in IPY-5, and contribute to the development of its terms of reference and working procedures. The committee reports to the of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat.

– The Fifth International Polar Year offers a unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration across disciplines, sectors and generations. I am honoured to lead such a diverse and experienced group as we begin shaping Sweden’s contribution to IPY-5 and the scientific and societal impact it can deliver, says Susanna Hansen van der Watt, researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Chair of the Swedish Planning Committee for IPY-5.

The initial appointment period is one year, with the possibility of annual extensions as planning and implementation progress. The committee’s composition is intended to remain flexible and may evolve as the planning process develops and additional stakeholders and areas of expertise become involved in the preparations for IPY-5.

The committee members, who serve in a personal capacity, are:

• Susanna Hansen van der Watt, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Chair
• Dag Avango, Luleå University of Technology
• Stefan Bertilsson, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, and the Swedish Research Council
• Hanna Farnelid, Linnaeus University
• Hans-Martin Heyn, Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg
• Keith Larson, Umeå University
• Katrin Lindbäck, Mid Sweden University
• Johanna Mård, Uppsala University
• Christina Storm Mienna, Várdduo, Centre for Sami Research, Umeå University
• Paul Marco Schmidt, APECS Sweden
• Matthew D. Shupe, Stockholm University
• Matthias Siewert, Umeå University
• Erik Thomson, University of Gothenburg
• Anna Wåhlin, University of Gothenburg

The establishment of the committee marks an important milestone in Sweden’s preparations for IPY-5 and will help ensure broad engagement and strong national coordination ahead of this global polar research initiative.