Reflections on an international and interdisciplinary network through the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS)
Abstract
The polar and cryosphere regions of our planet are a truly international and interdisciplinary arena - the research and education of which demands effective networks transcending usual working groups including within and beyond the natural sciences. Early career researchers (ECRs), in particular, will form the next generation of polar researchers and leaders, and thus a framework to facilitate networking is highly beneficial not only for the individual researchers in a professional and personal capacity, but also the wider polar community. The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS; www.apecs.is) is an international and interdisciplinary organization for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, early faculty members, educators and others with polar interests. Through a formal leadership structure, national committees, website and social media channels, and a dedicated Directorate office, APECS has a wide reach: as of mid-2018 APECS had around 2000 active members. Largely from a volunteer-base, APECS provides job and funding listings, runs bi-annual "Polar Week" events, webinars, organizes conferences and side-events, and much more. The organization also hosts the APECS International Online Conference and the APECS World Summit, events that facilitate one-on-one connections. The broad leadership structure provides opportunities for ECRs to work in international and interdisciplinary teams on APECS projects, encouraging the development of a repertoire of professional skills and an extended network. Working with partner organizations like IASC and SCAR allows ECRs to get integrated into larger polar networks with more established, senior researchers and community leaders. There are opportunities for all members of APECS to get involved in all levels of the organization. This presentation will focus on how APECS structures and activities facilitate networks of early career researchers.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AGUFMED33E1128D
- Keywords:
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- 0855 Diversity;
- EDUCATION