Content:

1. IPY Celebrations
2. Summary from meetings in Geneva - JC, EOC, APECS
3. Polar Oceans Week(s): end of March
4. Expression of Intent Database is now Closed
5. Future of IPO, and thanks
6. Data Reminder

Report no. 23, March 2009
From: IPY International Programme Office
To: IPY Project Coordinators
cc: IPY Community Google Groups

1. IPY Celebrations
IPY celebrations have been recently planned around the world, including in Japan, the Canadian Arctic, USA, and across Europe including Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and Norway. In addition, about 200 IPY participants and guests joined the International Celebrations in Geneva, Switzerland, hosted by the World Meteorological Organization. A press conference, media campaign, and release of the State of Polar Research report, all in conjunction with the Geneva event, resulted in excellent worldwide media coverage including major national news suppliers as well as prominent science journals and magazines. The IPO extends warm thanks to our many partners who contributed to the daily news releases throughout February, and to all who organised and attended events around the world. The excellent attention and coverage showcased the energy, skill and enthusiasm of the IPY education and outreach networks. We can build on these networks as we publicize IPY science outcomes and promote the IPY conferences.


2. Summary from meetings in Geneva - JC, EOC, APECS
From February 23rd - 25th, WMO hosted meetings of the IPY Joint Committee, Education, Outreach, and Communication (EOC) Sub-Committee, and APECS:

The Joint Committee developed plans for the concluding phase of IPY, from now through July 2010. Much of their effort will go into the production of an IPY summary report. The IPO will work with IPY Projects and National Committees to develop mechanisms to collect and synthesize Project and National information on IPY activities. The Joint Committee continues to regard the Oslo Science Conference in June 2010 and the IPY conference in Canada in 2012 as important elements in IPY integration and synthesis. Terms of Reference for the Joint Committee will continue until June 2010.

The EOC Sub-Committee discussed in detail plans for integration of Education, Outreach, and Communication into the Oslo Science Conference including opportunities for exposition of products as well as discussions of programmes and activities. In addition, plans were developed to sustain interest and momentum in IPY EOC efforts until June 2010. These plans include production of a Polar Resource Book and two 'Polar Weeks' in October 2009 and March 2010.

The APECS Executive Committee met in Geneva and discussed the areas of strategic need for the next year, the fundraising strategy, and the design and organization for a new website with more capabilities for organic growth of the organization. The APECS annual report is available at http://arcticportal.org/apecs/documents/apecs-report-feb2009.pdf

3. Polar Oceans Week(s): end of March
Thanks to all who are participating in our upcoming Polar Oceans event at the end of this month - it has been so popular that activities are now happening around the world across a two week period, from March 14th - 30th! These events have also provided inspiration for future 'Polar Weeks' in October 2009 and March 2010.
For details of planned activities, please visit: