This is the summative event of the Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV) process, which is a multi-year effort that began in 2022 to engage the international community on critical topics and priorities for Arctic research in the next 10 years that cut across disciplines and knowledge systems, and that require new and innovative thinking and collaboration. The Summit will engage Arctic researchers, Indigenous Peoples, policymakers, and other interested parties from around the world, serving as a crucial milestone for shaping the Fifth International Polar Year in 2032–33.

The ICARP IV Summit will provide an opportunity to discuss and consult on the initial outcomes of the seven ICARP IV Research Priority Teams:

  • The Role of the Arctic in the Global System
  • Observing, Reconstructing, and Predicting Future Climate Dynamics and Ecosystem Responses
  • Understanding the Vulnerability and Resilience of Arctic Environments and Societies and Supporting Sustainable Development
  • Arctic Research Cooperation and Diplomacy
  • Co-Production and Indigenous-led Methodologies
  • Preparing Present and Future generations through Education, Outreach, Communication, Capacity Building, and Networking
  • Technology, Infrastructure, Logistics, and Services

The Summit will also invite further sessions on important research questions and priorities for Arctic research that should be considered in the ICARP IV process.

Following the ICARP IV Summit, the ICARP IV International Steering Committee during 2025-2026 will oversee the development of the final outcomes of the ICARP IV process along with a vision for implementation.

ICARP IV Summit - Call for Sessions

ASSW 2025 organizers are now accepting session proposals for the ICARP IV Summit. Within the overall theme of “Arctic Research Planning for the Next Decade”, sessions are invited to address the following areas:

  • Research topics that align with one or more of the seven existing ICARP IV Research Priority Team Areas.
  • Research topics that are critical for Arctic research planning to consider, but are broader than or not included within any of the seven existing ICARP IV Research Priority Team Areas. For example, topics here may include emerging Arctic threats, new areas in social science, Arctic economies, etc.
  • Matters that are important to Arctic research planning and implementation. For example, topics here may include science policy, research evaluation, research ethics, scenario planning, international funding and coordination mechanisms, etc.

ICARP IV Summit Session application guidelines

Each session should be convened by a minimum of two and a maximum of three conveners. The involvement of early-career and/or Indigenous participants as session conveners is very strongly encouraged.

The call for sessions is open through 14 June 2024. Please direct questions regarding the ICARP IV Call for sessions to assw2025@colorado.edu.

Submit your ICARP IV Summit session proposal here.

Preliminary ASSW 2025 Agenda:

  • 20–24 March 2025:  Business and Community Meetings
  • 25–28 March 2025:  ICARP IV Summit

Important Dates:

  • 2 May – 30 September 2024: Call for ASSW 2025 Business & Community Meetings
  • 2 May – 14 June 2024: Call for ICARP IV Summit Sessions
  • 12 August – 30 September 2024: Call for ICARP IV Summit Abstracts
  • November 2024: Registration opens and draft program released

For more information about the ASSW2025, visit the ASSW website.