International Polar Foundation

With a mission of connecting science and society, the Brussels-based International Polar Foundation supports polar scientific research for the advancement of knowledge, the promotion of informed action on climate change, and the development of a sustainable society.

The Foundation seeks to bring about a keener appreciation of the role of science, particularly research in the Polar Regions, through a re-examination of the planet’s interconnections, its fragility, the impact of human actions on the environment, and the evolution of millennial climate cycles.

Along with several partners, the International Polar Foundation organises the annual Arctic Futures Symposium, which sees Arctic stakeholders, including prominent international policymakers, scientists, academics, Arctic indigenous peoples and industry representatives discuss the issues currently facing the Arctic and its future.

The Foundation uses several platforms to communicate and educate the importance of polar science – the SciencePoles website communicates research findings to the wider scientific community and general public, while the Educapoles website delivers a fresh, accessible approach to science by enabling teachers to explore climate and polar science with their students.

The International Polar Foundation also operates the zero emission polar research station, Princess Elisabeth Antarctica, where it supports international polar science through logistics and field research grants such as the InBev-Baillet Latour Antarctic Fellowship.