Call for Nominations

Canadian Delegate to the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) Council

Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) is seeking nominations for a Canadian delegate to the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) Council. IASC is an international scientific organization that encourages and facilitates cooperation and supports leading-edge Arctic research on a circumpolar and international level. As Canada’s adhering body to IASC, POLAR is responsible for appointing a Canadian delegate to the IASC Council. The IASC Council sets priorities and guides the work of the organization, much of which is carried out through its Working Groups and Arctic Data Committee, with support from the IASC Secretariat. The IASC Council is comprised of one delegate from each of the 22 IASC member countries.

Role of the Canadian IASC Delegate

The Canadian IASC Delegate is expected to be an active member of the IASC Council, representing Canadian Arctic science interests and promoting increased international collaboration. This includes attending the annual IASC Council meeting during Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW), ensuring coordination among the Canadian members of IASC Working Groups, and ensuring regular communication with POLAR. As a member of the IASC Council, the Canadian Delegate will also work with fellow IASC Council members to:

• Develop policies and guidelines for cooperative Arctic research;
• Support IASC Working Groups (WGs) that address and act on timely topics in Arctic science;
• Recommend, in cooperation with the WGs, implementation plans for IASC programs and activities; and,
• Identify new avenues of cooperation between Canada and other national Arctic science organizations and initiatives.

Since IASC was established in 1991, Canada has been represented by Fred Roots (1991-94), Barrie Maxwell (1995-98), Peter Johnson (1999-2005), Grant Ingram (2006-07) and David Hik (current).

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible, a nominee must be a Canadian citizen and meet the following criteria:

• Significant Canadian Arctic research or policy expertise;
• Active involvement within the Canadian Arctic science community;
• Experience representing Canadian Arctic science interests internationally.

Please note that the working language of IASC is English.

Selection committee

A selection committee appointed by the Chairperson of POLAR will review all nominations and make a recommendation to POLAR’s Board of Directors.

The Canadian delegate will be appointed for a 4-year term, with the possibility of renewal once, following a review after the first term.

Process and closing date for nominations

A nomination letter should be sent to Polar Knowledge Canada (info@polar.gc.ca) no later than January 29, 2016. Self-nominations are welcome. The letter should include the candidate’s name, affiliation, area of expertise, and how the nominee meets the eligibility requirements. Supporting documentation required includes the candidate’s curriculum vitae, and evidence of the candidate’s Arctic science related achievements, including research or policy-related activities, publications, memberships, awards, and distinctions.

Nominees should be available to attend the next IASC Council meeting during ASSW 2016 in Fairbanks, Alaska. For more information on ASSW 2016, please visit: www.assw2016.org.

For further information or questions, please contact Jeannette Menzies, Director of Knowledge Management and Engagement, Polar Knowledge Canada (Jeannette.menzies@polar.gc.ca).

BACKGROUND

About the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)

IASC is a non-governmental, international scientific organization that encourages and facilitates cooperation in all aspects of Arctic research, in all countries engaged in Arctic research and in all areas of the Arctic region. This includes initiating and coordinating scientific activities at a circumpolar Arctic and international level, providing mechanisms and instruments to support science development, and providing objective and independent advice on Arctic science issues and communicating scientific information to the public.

For further information, please visit: http://www.iasc.info/

About Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR)

POLAR advances Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic and strengthens Canadian leadership in polar science and technology. POLAR consists of the following:

• A pan-northern science and technology program, which conducts and supports research and monitoring across Canada’s North;
• The world-class Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, which will be operational in 2017; and,
• A knowledge management, engagement, and coordination function to support polar research, which involves strengthening and coordinating partnerships and collaboration between researchers, and helping ensure that research results inform policies and programs.

POLAR is Canada’s adhering body to the International Arctic Science Committee and the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research. It is responsible for appointing a Canadian delegate to the IASC Council and up to two Canadian members to each IASC Working Group.

For further information, please visit: http://www.canada.ca/en/polar-knowledge/