Early Career Evening

On Monday 11^th July, APECS and the UK Polar Network hosted an Early Career Evening consisting of an Expert Mentoring Panel on “Succeeding in Polar Science” with a drinks reception and then continued informal networking for early career and senior scientists. The Panel was made up of an impressive group of senior polar scientists with the expertise to give us the inspiration and advice to kick-start our careers in polar science! Topics covered were diverse and interesting, ranging from science in the current financial climate and the best sources of polar science jobs to getting back into polar science after time-out and how to juggle a successful science career with having a family and the other demands of life as a polar scientist! It is with sincere thanks that we acknowledge our mentors, who made the evening so informative, inspirational and entertaining:Professor Mahlon (Chuck) Kennicutt II, President of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)

Professor Jane Francis, Chair of the UK National Committee for Antarctic Research
Professor Michael Hambrey, Secretary of SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Geosciences
Dr. Gonçalo Vieira, Co-chair of the SCAR Expert Group on Permafrost and Periglacial Environments
Dr. Gabriele Uenzelmann-Neben, Senior Researcher at Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
Dr. Cliff Atkins, Lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington

Education and Outreach

With special thanks to Athena Dinar, British Antarctic Survey, and Dr Liz Pasteur, IPF
Concurrent with the ISAES XI conference, three “Antarctic Open Days” were held at Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s number one natural science centre. A team of scientists from the UK Polar Network, APECS, the British Antarctic Survey and the International Polar Foundation entertained and educated over 1000 members of the public from Scotland and across the world with a host of interactive activities, hands-on (and feet-in!) displays, 3-D polar puzzles and lively discussion groups. A wonderful time was had by all and the feedback from visitors and staff at Our Dynamic Earth was glowing! The event even featured on local television and in newspapers, so well done and thank you to all those involved!