by EH
Today marks the official commencement of the POLARIN initiative, a groundbreaking European effort aimed at fostering collaboration in polar research infrastructure. Lead by the Alfred Wegener Institute, this ambitious project brings together a consortium of 50 partners from 21 nations, including Trieste’s National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS) among its ranks.
The POLARIN initiative, short for Polar Research Infrastructure Network, seeks to establish a unified platform for accessing and utilizing polar research facilities across Europe. Recognizing the pivotal role of polar regions in Earth’s ecosystem and climate dynamics, the initiative endeavors to facilitate access to essential research infrastructure, spanning from Arctic research stations to Antarctic icebreakers.
In a statement from the Alfred Wegener Institute, project coordinator Nicole Biebow underscored the significance of POLARIN as the first initiative to offer consolidated access to polar research facilities in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Biebow emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the network, which encompasses diverse fields such as oceanography, atmospheric studies, and beyond.
Italy, a key participant in the POLARIN initiative, is set to contribute several renowned research facilities, including the Mario Zucchelli Station and the Italian-French Concordia Station. Additionally, the Italian National Antarctic Data Center (NADC) and the Italian Arctic Data Centre (IADC) will play integral roles in data management and dissemination efforts.
Michele Rebesco, scientific coordinator for OGS within POLARIN, highlighted the institute’s commitment to not only providing access to its icebreaker, the Laura Bassi, but also to offering comprehensive user training and ensuring data accessibility and interoperability.
The launch of POLARIN marks a significant step forward in international collaboration in polar research, promising new insights into the complex dynamics of these critical regions and their impact on global climate systems.
