IASC recognizes that the next generation of Arctic researchers will be faced with increasingly critical challenges due to the impacts of climate change on the region and their global significance. The Committee therefore believes that it is of great importance to foster these young researchers and promotes and involves early career scientists working in the Arctic by:
» striving for representation of early career researchers in the organization;
» providing endorsement, support and dissemination of information on activities, projects and request for participation, and;
» providing travel grants to early career scientist for selected conferences.
With these instruments IASC aims to include more young researchers from the starting phase in the organization of workshops, in science planning activities and research programs.
For example, IASC includes early career scientists in the development and running of the biennial Science Symposia held during the Arctic Science Summit Weeks. Several early career scientists sit on the steering committee for the Symposia and chair various sessions. In addition, by providing travel support to selected conferences, IASC ensures that early career scientists have the opportunity early in their careers to present their ideas and exchange information with an international and renowned group of arctic scientists; giving both parties a chance to learn from each other.
IASC has an official partnership with the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) to further the professional development of early career researchers. In a Memorandum of Understanding, IASC recognizes APECS as the preeminent organization for young researchers working in the Arctic, Antarctic, and cryospheric regions.