Join PSECCO at SCAR OSC 2026 in Oslo!
The Polar Science Early Career Community Office (PSECCO) is excited to be heading to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Open Science Conference (OSC) in Oslo, Norway this August! Whether you're attending SCAR OSC for the first time or reconnecting with colleagues from across the polar community, we hope you'll join us at several events and workshops focused on supporting early career researchers (ECRs), strengthening community connections, and advancing a more inclusive and supportive polar research ecosystem.
From networking opportunities and discussions about the future of early career engagement in major international initiatives to workshops focused on field safety and well-being, there are several opportunities throughout the conference to connect with PSECCO and our partners.
Polar Early Career Community Gathering
Tuesday, August 11 | 4:00-5:30 PM (CEST)
Kick off SCAR OSC by connecting with fellow early career researchers from across the polar sciences at the Polar Early Career Community Gathering, organized by APECS and PSECCO. This social networking event offers an opportunity to meet new colleagues, strengthen existing connections, and learn more about the many organizations, programs, and networks supporting ECRs around the world.
Whether you're new to the polar community or a long-time member, we encourage you to stop by to connect with other polar early career individuals.
For more information visit this webpage about the networking event on the SCAR OSC website.
Implementing Early Career Engagement and Priorities in IPY-5 and Antarctica InSync
Thursday, August 13 | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM (CEST)
As planning continues for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY-5) and Antarctica InSync, meaningful early career engagement will be essential to shaping the future of polar research. This interactive workshop will explore how ECR priorities can be integrated into these major international initiatives and provide participants with an opportunity to contribute ideas, share experiences, and help inform next steps.
If you're interested in leadership, community engagement, international collaboration, or shaping the future of polar research, this workshop is for you.
For more information visit this webpage about the workshop on the SCAR OSC website.
Keeping People Safe in Antarctic Fieldwork: Advancing Training, Team Safety, and Shared Best Practices
Friday, August 14 | 11:00 AM-3:30 PM (CEST)
Safe working environments are essential for conducting excellent science, especially in Antarctica, where field teams often operate far from home and support networks. This interactive workshop will explore how the Antarctic research community can strengthen both physical and interpersonal safety in field settings, with a particular focus on preparing participants to recognize, respond to, and help prevent harmful behaviors that can undermine individual well-being and team success.
The workshop will be offered in two parts. Part 1 (11:30 AM-1:00 PM) will utilize the ADVANCEing FieldSafety training framework and engage participants in practicing bystander intervention and communication strategies through interactive exercises. Part 2 (2:00-3:30 PM) will focus on discussion and collaborative problem-solving around improving Antarctic field safety training, sharing effective approaches, and identifying actions needed to foster safer, more respectful field environments across the international Antarctic community.
Participants will have the opportunity to contribute ideas, share experiences, and help develop recommendations that can inform future training materials, resources, and community guidelines. By the end of the workshop, attendees will gain practical tools for addressing situations that jeopardize safety and build confidence in supporting positive team culture in the field.
Please note that registration is required for Part 1 by July 31, 2026. Attendance is limited to 25 participants and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You can register for Part 1 of this workshop at the following link.
For more information visit this webpage about the workshop on the SCAR OSC website.
We Hope to See You in Oslo!
PSECCO is committed to supporting early career researchers throughout the polar sciences, and SCAR OSC provides a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, collaborate, and help shape the future of our community. If you'll be attending the conference, we hope you'll join us at one or more of these events. If you see me (Mariama) around at the conference, please say hi! One of my absolute favorite things about running events at these polar conferences is that it provides an awesome opportunity to meet the polar early career individuals that PSECCO supports in-person!
We look forward to seeing you in Oslo and hearing your ideas, experiences, and perspectives as we work together to strengthen the polar research community.