Friday, January 17, 2025

ECR Polar workshop at UKCEH Bangor -march

Hi everyone, 

See below details of a fantastic workshop organised by UKCEH in partnership with UKPN happening in Bangor in March (application link at bottom of email).


Polar Fieldwork: navigating knowledge, impact and responsibility (13-14 March) 

 

Polar-focused early career researchers are invited to apply to join a network event at the Environment Centre Wales, Bangor on 13/14 March to explore polar fieldwork: navigating knowledge, impact and responsibility. 


The event will be run in collaboration with the UK Polar Network and funded by the NERC Arctic Office.


The application deadline is 9am on 27 January.


The event is free to attend, thanks to the sponsor. This covers accommodation and a social evening meal on the night of 13 March. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided. Lunch TBC. Travel funding will be available for up to £100 pp.



Researchers bear a profound responsibility to minimise the negative environmental and social impact of their work and maximise positive contributions, particularly in sensitive regions like the Arctic. Sustainable travel practices - such as minimising the frequency of field trips, adopting low-emission transport, and employing remote sensing technologies - are critical. However, not all data can be collected remotely and field expeditions provide social and scientific benefits. Early Career Researchers (ECRs), often balancing the pressures of career growth and small budgets with ethical considerations, face unique challenges. Institutions can play a pivotal role by evaluating fieldwork through carbon audits, local impact assessments, and funding structures that prioritise sustainability.


 


The aim of this networking event is to bring together ECRs working in Arctic regions to collate the current drivers behind fieldwork planning (e.g. small research budgets, limited networks, lack of time, guidance on, and interest in monitoring and evaluation processes), share experience and practices, and to explore initiatives of enhanced collaboration amongst ECRs, local and indigenous communities, and the tourism industry.


 


Who is this event for?

The target audience is UK-based early career researchers working on polar-focused research questions. Please note that we can only accept a limited number of participants and we therefore ask for your motivation to attend.


 


To be able to apply please ensure you fulfill the following criteria:


You are available on the following dates: 13-14 March

Your research is centered around the polar regions

You are affiliated with a UK institution, are living in the UK or are part of the UK research community. Please note that travel funding is capped at £100 pp.

You are within 10 years of your last qualification (i.e. BSc/MSc/PhD).

 


Applicants must demonstrate the following:

How the network event will impact their career and future goals

What you hope to bring to the event, including any previous fieldwork, engagement and collaboration experience.

Ideas for developing opportunities for ERCs to lead polar fieldwork campaigns in environmentally and socially sustainable ways.




We are prioritising candidates who have fieldwork experience or plan to undertake fieldwork in the Arctic, but those who are focused on Antarctica are also welcome. Candidates who work or plan to work with local and/or indigenous communities are encouraged to apply.



How do I apply to participate in this event?


To apply, individuals should fill in this application form no later than 9:00 AM on 27 January 2025.


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQWg54ljCZL4P__wKLzxTs3qfWpMcyAPoZ-Ort16lIV1DGZQ/viewform?usp=sharing


 More information is available here for those with access to the UKCEH hub and will soon also be posted on the UK Polar Network website.  

 

If you have any questions concerning the application form or event, please email Maud van Soest at mausoe@ceh.ac.uk

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