A Vibrant Global Network Bridges the Gap Between Education and Research to Share Polar Science with the Broader Community

Effective science education, outreach and communication need to be higher priorities within the scientific and education communities to develop informed decision makers with a deep understanding of our world and the nature of science. Conversations along these lines occurred during International Polar Year (IPY) Conferences in Oslo and Montreal. Dedicated educators and early career researchers in attendance at IPY conferences created an international network from these conversations, that five years later, has developed into a respected resource for Polar science communities wishing to make more meaningful connections with non-science audiences. Polar Educators International (PEI) is an effective example of capacity building, education, outreach, and training efforts of researchers, educators, science communicators, and others across the globe working together to bridge the gap between education and research. This network of volunteer polar science education practitioners, has grown to include a general membership of over 1500 individuals from 30 countries. PEI working groups partner educators with polar researchers, to develop activities both on-line, and in face-to-face interactions to activate polar knowledge transfer and dissemination. These demonstrated partnerships have created Master Classes offering online professional development providing resources and tools to increase knowledge and skills as a science communicator. Classes address current polar research, and connects participants to the PEI network of researchers and teachers in meaningful ways. PEI sponsors international workshops, that have seen increasing attendance by researchers, demonstrating growing value in the connections and educational content PEI offers. Workshops offer value to educators, providing community, access to resources and professional development. The value to researchers is an expansion of professional networks to include educators, and partnerships to ensure educators have access to best-available polar science.Members of PEI's Council and Executive Committee gather insights and perspectives to think strategically about the future of this network. There is an acknowledged need to further develop metrics to help define its impact and value.