ICARP III - 2015 - International Conference on Arctic Research Planning

The third International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP III) in 2015 in provided a framework to:

identify Arctic science priorities for the next decade;
coordinate various Arctic research agendas;
inform policy makers, people who live in or near the Arctic and the global community and
build constructive relationships between producers and users of knowledge.

ICARP III did not undertake the development of new science plans but rather built on the many comprehensive science plans that existed already and complimented those with processes to identify gaps that may need attention. Considering the outcomes of ICARP II, the International Polar Year, recent assessments and upcoming and new initiatives, it was a process for:

integrating priorities for forward-looking, collaborative, interdisciplinary Arctic research and observing and
establishing an inventory of recent and current synthesis documents and major developments in Arctic research.

Engaging all partners, including funders, in shaping the future of Arctic research needs, ICARP III:

produced a consensus statement identifying the most important Arctic research needs for the next decade;
provided a roadmap for research priorities and partnerships and
identified the potential and specific contributions of Arctic research partners to the International Polar Partnership Initiative

It was structured along scientific themes and included a series of events, culminating in a final conference at the Arctic Science Summit Week 2015 from 23 - 30 April 2015 in Toyama, Japan.

The official outcomes and key messages that emerged from the 2-year ICARP III process are online. The overarching research priorities are on:

Role of the Arctic in the global system;
Prediction of future climate dynamics and ecosystem responses;
Improved understanding of the vulnerability and resilience of Arctic environments and societies.

ICARP III Final Report - Integrating Arctic Research - A Roadmap for the Future

ICARP III Steering Group

The planning and implementation of ICARP III was overseen by a Steering Committee composed of one representative of each of the ICARP III partner organizations and the IASC Working Groups. The committee was chaired by the President of IASC and also included the chairs of ICARP I and ICARP II and representatives of the local hosts of the ASSW 2014 and 2015. Secretarial support was provided by IASC.

ICARPIII Steering Group Meeting

ICARPIII Steering Group meeting in 2014

The report of the November 2014 Steering Group Meeting can be downloaded here:

Draft Report Potsdam Meeting 11-12 November 2014

ICARP III Partners

ICARP III aimed at engaging all partners in shaping the future of Arctic research needs. It was an open process, with the opportunity for the Arctic community at large to contribute to the overall objectives.