International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)
IASC is a non-governmental organisation which encourages, facilitates and promotes cooperation in all aspects of Arctic research in all countries engaged in Arctic research and in all areas of the Arctic region. Founded in 1990 by representatives of the eight Arctic countries, there are now 24 members, including the United Kingdom (1996).
IASC’s responsibilities include:
- initiating new scientific activities, especially large-scale, multi-year programmes, such as MOSAiC
- providing rigorous and independent scientific advice
- promoting the best and most open access to data and research
- supporting the development of international cooperation
Decisions are taken by the IASC Council which meets annually, usually in conjunction with the Arctic Science Summit Week. The UK is represented at Council meetings by the Head of the NERC Arctic Office, Henry Burgess, who was elected to the IASC presidency in 2022 for a four year term.
There are five Working Groups which encourage and support science-led international programmes by offering opportunities for planning and coordination, and by facilitating communication and access to infrastructure. UK membership is determined by the NERC Arctic Office after open competition.
The UK’s representatives in the Atmosphere, Cryosphere, Marine, Social and Human and Terrestrial Working Groups have produced short summaries of the discussions and decisions from previous Arctic Science Summit Weeks. These reports can be found here.
The UK representatives are:
- Stephen Arnold, University of Leeds
- Jo Browse, University of Exeter
- Richard Essery, University of Edinburgh
- Kelly Hogan, British Antarctic Survey
- Mark Inall, Scottish Association for Marine Science
- Professor Claire Mahaffey, University of Liverpool
Social and Human Development Working Group
- Ingrid Medby, Newcastle University
- James Ford, Priestly International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds
- Mary Edwards, University of Southampton
- Bob Baxter, Durham University