The UK Polar Network is an organisation for, and run by, early career polar researchers. Members are interested in enhancing and furthering their careers by networking and participating in education and outreach activities. Our members care about the impact our science has on the world; we want to share our results, communicate our research, and reach out to the general public, especially school children who will go on to follow in our footsteps. We are excited about our research and want to share this enthusiasm. What small child, seeing pictures of icebergs, penguins and twin otter planes will not try that little bit harder in science lessons at school? We also understand the importance of networking – in today’s globalised world we want get to know each other to maximise the impact of our science. As mankind is currently threatened by the effects of climate change, it is our generation who will go on to face the challenges posed, and we feel a responsibility to work together to solve these problems, and inspire the next generation of scientists to join us.

It is with these aims that we are in the process of expanding the activities of the UK Polar Network. Amongst other events, we have organised three workshops this year. The overarching aim of the workshops has been to allow young polar researchers to come together in an informal environment to learn from experienced polar scientists and each other. The workshops have also given participants a chance to be involved in the organisation of the events – by chairing sessions, helping out in breakout activities and participating in panel discussions.

The workshops have all incorporated a practical element, including computer modelling exercises, and instrumentation and analysis workshops. Breakout sessions on career development allowed masters students to learn more about what a career in academia might entail, whilst early career scientists discussed the route they may follow, be it academic or more applied to industry, civil service or education. Educational breakout sessions built on this, giving participants an insight to the outreach events they may be involved in, and advice on how to organise their own.

Each workshop was attended by between 30 and 45 early career polar researchers from around the world, plus many speakers, mentors and senior scientists. Participants were encouraged to present a poster and we were impressed by the standard on display, especially from the masters students present. Where possible we held a ‘drinks and nibbles’ reception during the poster presentation to make the atmosphere informal and encourage networking.

The first workshop in the series was the Atmospheric Sciences workshop, held at the British Antarctic Survey in April. Organised by Tom Bracegirdle (BAS) and Helen Atkinson (BAS / UEA), the workshop spanned three days and focussed on measurement and modelling of the polar atmosphere. Talks by senior scientists on modelling climate and weather, statistics and instrumentation were interspersed with hands-on computer modelling and instrumentation workshops. Panel discussions were held on the future of polar research with the BAS board of directors, and on instrumentation techniques with experienced field researchers.

Next on the agenda was the Arctic Marine Sciences workshop, held in October over two days. A beautiful venue was chosen for the event - the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club  on the water’s edge in Plymouth. Organised by Angelika Renner (BAS / UEA) and Claudia Halsband-Lenk (PML), the workshop was held in collaboration with PML and Plymouth University. As the Arctic marine environment is now synonymous with climate change, sea ice retreat and ecosystem collapse, many of the talks naturally focussed on this area. Panel discussions included funding sources and media communication, as well as the education and career development discussions common to all the workshops.

The series finished with the Cryospheric Sciences workshop held at the University of Sheffield in November. Organised by Nanna Karlsson (University of Hull / BAS), Allen Pope (SPRI) and Jen Hall (University of Sheffield) this three day event was incredibly popular. Talks varied from remote sensing and mass balance studies to ice cores and sedimentology. Panel discussions on offer included paper publishing and grant writing, a computer modelling practical session, and an entire afternoon was dedicated to education and outreach activities. Talks on alternative careers by scientists from the Natural History Museum and the Polar Research Foundation gave an interesting slant to the career development discussions.

As another feature of these unique events, the senior scientists were encouraged to give an insight into their career path. We listened with great interest to esteemed scientists such as Peter Liss CBE and Liz Morris OBE talk about their rise through the ranks of academia, heeded their advice and hoped we may one day be as successful ourselves.

The workshops have given participants a chance to discuss their research and explore where it may take them. They have provided support and encouragement to inspire others. In the coming year and further forward, the UKPN will continue to run innovative and exciting events for early career polar researchers in the UK. If you have ideas for the committee or are interested in getting involved with the UKPN or its international parent organisation, the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) as an early  career member or a ‘not-so-early-career’ mentor, you will find more information on our websites www.polarnetwork.org and www.apecs.is.

The workshops were sponsored by Natural Environment Research Council, the IPY IPO, the British Antarctic Survey, the Royal Meteorological Society (Atmospheric Sciences Workshop), the Royal Society of Chemistry (Atmospheric Sciences Workshop), Grimm (Atmospheric Sciences Workshop), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (Arctic Marine Science Workshop),  the Royal Astronomical Society (Cryospheric Science Workshop), the University of Sheffield (Cryospheric Science Workshop), the International Glaciological Society (Cryospheric Science Workshop), The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (Cryospheric Science Workshop) and the Scott Polar Research Institute (Cryospheric Science Workshop).

Helen Atkinson and the UK Polar Network Committee