The XVIII Portuguese Conference on Polar Sciences brought together researchers, experts and early-career scientists on 6 and 7 November at the Centre for Marine Sciences (CCMAR) at the University of the Algarve. Under the theme ‘From Portugal to the poles: our science at the ends of the earth’, the conference promoted the sharing of knowledge, the strengthening of international cooperation and reflection on the role of polar research in the face of major global environmental challenges.
What happens in the Arctic and Antarctica has consequences on a global scale. From climate change to rising sea levels, and including biodiversity and ocean dynamics, understanding the processes taking place in the polar regions is essential for anticipating the environmental challenges of the future.
It was against this backdrop that CCMAR hosted the XVIII Portuguese Conference on Polar Sciences, one of the leading national events dedicated to scientific research in the Arctic and Antarctica. This year’s event attracted around fifty participants from various national institutions and featured 18 oral presentations and 34 scientific posters, reflecting the diversity and vitality of polar research carried out by the scientific community.
The scientific programme was organised into four thematic sessions, focusing on ecosystem transformation, biodiversity and resilience, the processes linking ice and oceans, and the future challenges facing polar science, including its climatic, social and governance dimensions. One of the highlights was the international panel ‘Polar Collaboration for Global Impact’, which brought together experts from leading organisations and institutions to promote discussion on the role of collaborative networks in polar research.
Photography exhibition and open discussion on the hubs
In addition to its scientific component, the conference included outreach initiatives that brought polar science closer to the public. Between 2 and 8 November, MAR Shopping Algarve hosted the photographic exhibition ‘From Portugal to the Poles: Our Science at the Earth’s Extremes’, which showcased the polar regions and the work of Portuguese researchers in these extreme environments. The programme also included, on 5 November, an open discussion at the FNAC in the Fórum Algarve, where researchers shared their experiences and discussed the importance of Portugal’s presence in the Arctic and Antarctica.
The educational aspect also featured prominently, with the holding of the 9th Education & Science Workshop, dedicated to the link between polar research and education, and the 17th APECS Portugal Workshop, focusing on career paths and opportunities for new generations of researchers.
By bringing together science, international cooperation, education and communication, the XVIII Portuguese Conference on Polar Sciences reinforced Portugal’s role in polar research and emphasised the importance of building knowledge collectively to understand the changes taking place on our planet.
