1. IASC Mission IASC is a non-governmental organization whose aim is to encourage and facilitate cooperation in all aspects of Arctic research, in all countries engaged in Arctic research and in all areas of the Arctic region.

2. IASC Membership Canada China Denmark Finland France Germany Iceland Italy Japan The Netherlands Norway Poland Republic of Korea Russia Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom United States of America The IASC member organizations are national science organizations covering all fields of Arctic research. Each national member organization has a mechanism to provide ongoing contact between its council member and its Arctic science community.

3. What IASC Does IASC is not a funding agency, but IASC assists with science development by providing scientific advice and also seed money. In general, IASC supported activities are International and Circum-Arctic; of interest to several IASC member countries; involve early career scientists; produce IASC reports. The IASC instruments to support science development include: Assessments/Science Planning Activities Long-term programs under the umbrella of IASC Workshops Other instruments, e.g. Projects or Networks Early Career Scientist Support

4. Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) An international project of the Arctic Council and IASC to evaluate and synthesize knowledge on Arctic climate variability, climate change, and their impacts. ACIA Reports Scientific Report (1000 pages) Synthesis Report (140 pages) Policy Report www.amap.no/acia

5. 2 nd International Conference on Arctic Research Planning Prepared Arctic research plans to guide international co-operation over the next 10-15 years Brought together senior and young scholars, policy experts, Arctic indigenous and other residents, science and land managers as well as funding agencies Conference took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, 10-12 November 2005 Comprehensive pre-conference process engaged over 140 scientists in the preparation of 12 science plans IASC is the main patron of ICARP II. www.icarp.dk

6. IPY is an intense, internationally coordinated campaign of research that initiates a new era in polar science IPY includes research in both polar regions and recognises the strong links these regions have with the rest of the globe IPY involves a wide range of research disciplines, including the social sciences, but the emphasis is interdisciplinary in its approach and truly international in participation IPY aims to educate and involve the public, and to help train the next generation of engineers, scientists, and leaders www.ipy.org IASC is an Ex-officio member of the IPY Joint Committee. International Polar Year 2007/2008 (IPY)

7. International Study of Arctic Change (ISAC) ISAC is developed by IASC in close co-operation with the Arctic Ocean Science Board (AOSB). The ISAC Secretariat will be co-located with the IASC Secretariat. Long-term, multidisciplinary program to study the effects of environmental changes on the circumpolar Arctic system and the globe Main objective is to observe and understand the characteristics of the entire Arctic System and its responses to change in order to develop the best adaptation and mitigation strategies

8. 1 st Workshop held in Stockholm (Sweden), 12-14 November 2007 Are current Arctic observing and data and information management activities sufficient to meet users’ needs? 2 nd Workshop to be held in Edmonton (Canada), 8-11 April 2008 How will Arctic observing and data and information management activities be coordinated and sustained over the long-term? 3 rd Workshop to be held in Helsinki (Finland), 15-17 October 2008 Develop a final set of recommendations. Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON)

9. Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) The ASSW is an initiative of IASC. The purpose of the summit is to provide opportunities for co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation in all areas of Arctic science, and to combine science and management meetings to save on travel and time. The ASSW also offers insight into Arctic research undertaken by the host country. www.assw2007.org

10. A new organizational structure to reflect the progressively more integrative nature of today’s polar science. Expand IASC’s functions to embrace various issues such as new technology, data management, education and public outreach. Strengthen IASC’s relations with the Arctic Council (AC), social science organizations representing constituencies in the North, and other global organizations interested in the science of the Arctic region. Reorganize and revitalize the Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) as a major cross-disciplinary venue. IASC New Structure - Recommended Actions

11. Proposed New IASC Structure Scientific Standing Committees (SSC) Marine System Terrestrial System Cryosphere/Atmosphere System Social System Science and Policy Council Secretariat Executive Committee Action Groups (AG) SCAR/IASC Bipolar Action Group (BipAG) Action Group 2 Action Group 3 Action Group 4 Science Strategy Implementation Instruments to Support Science Development Workshops Assessements, Science Planning NetworksLong-Term Programs