In the lead up to its 35th anniversary in 2025, the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) in cooperation with many partner worldwide is coordinating a multi-year planning process for the Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV) lasting from 2022 until 2026 that engages Arctic researchers, Indigenous Peoples, policy makers, residents and stakeholders from around the world to collegially discuss the state of Arctic science, the place the Arctic occupies in global affairs and systems. ICARP IV:
- considers the most urgent knowledge gaps and Arctic research priorities and needs for the next decade, and
- explores avenues to address these research needs.
Phases of the ICARP IV Process (2022 - 2026):
Phase 1 - Preparing for ICARP IV (2022):
- ICARP IV International Steering Committee and ICARP IV Conference Host Committee formed
- ICARP IV Engagement and Communication Plan developed.
Phase 2 - Seeking Community Input (2023):
- Workshops, Townhall Meetings, Community Listening Sessions, Talking Circles, Webinars, Surveys, Assessments, Statements, etc.
Phase 3 - Defining Research Priorities (2024)
- Work of the ICARP IV Research Priority Teams drafting the ICARP IV research priorities and their implementation plans based on the community input received in phase 2
Phase 4 - Consulting on Priorities (2025)
- ICARP IV Conference / Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) 2025 to be convened in Boulder Colorado, USA from 21 - 28 March 2025, hosted by a consortium of US institutions, including the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Northern Iowa, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Alaska Pacific University.
- Presentation of research priorities and their implementation plans
Consultation on priorities and implementation
Phase 5 - Initiating Implementation (2026)
- ICARP IV Final Report
- Initiation of implementation of research priorities
- developing Arctic research themes for the International Polar Year 2032-33