Enabling the Legacy: Translating Polar Research into Action

Co-organized by the University of the Arctic, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, and the Oceanographic Institute, Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation

Institut océanographique - Fondation Albert Ier, Prince de Monaco

SCAR

UArctic

The opening session officially launches the Monaco Polar Symposium 2026. High-level representatives of the organizing institutions welcome participants and set the overall vision of “Enabling the Legacy: Translating Polar Research into Action,” introducing the objectives, themes, and ambition of the Symposium.

This opening conversation sets the tone for the Symposium through an inspiring exchange among the speakers. Reflecting on the legacy of past International Polar Years and the perspectives of IPY-5, it offers high-level insights into the connections between polar science, public policy, and society, guiding the discussions that follow.

Dalee Sambo Dorough

Adviser

University of Alaska Anchorage

Olav Orheim

Member of the Scientific and Technical Committee

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

Salvatore Aricò

CEO

International Science Council

moderator

Salomé Mormentyn

Polar Initiative Manager

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

This panel reflects on how international collaboration in polar research is evolving in the context of current global uncertainties. Speakers will discuss present challenges and future opportunities, as well as how to support resilient and effective polar collaboration in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Antje Boetius

President and CEO

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Burcu Ozsoy

Director

TÜBİTAK Polar Research Institute

David Balton

Senior Fellow

Harvard University Kennedy School of Government

Sara Olsvig

Chair

Inuit Circumpolar Council

moderator

Pam Pearson

Director and Founder

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative

This panel examines how funding models for polar research and action are evolving in a changing geopolitical and economic context. Speakers will share lessons learned, innovative approaches, and enabling conditions to support equitable, resilient, and scalable funding pathways from research to implementation and impact.

Bapon Fakhruddin

Water Sector Lead

Green Climate Fund

David Hik

Vice-President and Chief Scientist

Polar Knowledge Canada

Per-Henning Mathisen

Advisor – Arctic and Environmental Unit

Sámiráđđi / Saami Council

Ryan Dolan

TBC

moderator

Maria Grigoratou

Executive Secretary

European Polar Board

A special conversation with photographer and filmmaker John Weller, offering a visual and narrative perspective on polar regions, storytelling, and the role of imagery in connecting science and society.

John Weller

moderator

Genie Godula

Senior Anchor

France 24

This final panel focuses on implementation and impact, exploring how polar science can move beyond coordination and funding toward concrete, large-scale action. Speakers will propose and reflect on flagship, multinational initiatives capable of delivering lasting scientific and societal benefits, and shaping a meaningful legacy for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY-5) and beyond.

Anita Lafferty

Research Associate

Aurora College

Cassandra Brooks

Professor

University of Colorado Boulder

Jefferson Cardia Simões

Director

Centro Polar e Climatico - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Matthew Druckenmiller

Vice President and U.S. Delegate

International Arctic Science Committee

Rob DeConto

Principle investigator and host scientist

Climate & Cryosphere (CliC), World Climate Research Program

moderator

Michael Meredith

Joint Director, UK National Climate Science Partnership

British Antarctic Survey

A synthesis of the day’s key messages and reflections, setting the stage for the workshop sessions.

Genie Godula

Senior Anchor

France 24

Co-hosted with the University of the Arctic (UArctic), this gala dinner marks the link between the pre-event and the Monaco Polar Symposium 2026. Held at the Yacht Club of Monaco, it offers a privileged moment for informal exchange and networking, fostering dialogue among participants.

Presentation of the day's themes and recap of the main insights from Panel 1, framing the discussions for the first workshop session.

A closing reflection on the day’s outcomes, followed by an artistic performance offering a creative perspective on polar themes.

This dining cocktail, held on the first floor of the Oceanographic Museum, extends the free visit and offers a convivial moment of exchange and networking in an immersive setting.

Closing remarks from partners and keynote addresses, culminating with the official closing by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in livestream.