Hundreds of polar researchers will descend on Monaco next month as the principality hosts the third Monaco Polar Symposium, an event increasingly focused on moving beyond data collection to practical solutions.

The three-day gathering at the Oceanographic Museum, scheduled for 25th to 27th February, comes as both Arctic and Antarctic regions experience accelerating environmental changes that scientists say demand urgent action.

This year’s event carries a pointed theme: rFrom Arctic to Antarctic – Enabling the Legacy: Translating Polar Research into Action.’

Shifting focus

The symposium represents a departure from traditional scientific conferences, organisers say, with emphasis placed on implementation rather than just presenting findings.

Scientists, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, funding bodies and civil society groups will participate in panels and workshops designed to produce actionable outcomes.

The event is being organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, the International Arctic Science Committee, and the Oceanographic Museum.

Three main areas will dominate discussions: maintaining international scientific collaboration despite geopolitical tensions, developing new funding models for polar research, and moving flagship initiatives from planning to implementation.

Building toward IPY-5

Much of the groundwork will feed into preparations for the Fifth International Polar Year, a coordinated global research effort still being planned.

The last International Polar Year took place in 2007-2008 and resulted in significant advances in polar science, though critics have noted that implementation of recommendations has been uneven.

A pre-event session on the morning of 25th February, organised by the University of the Arctic, SCAR and the Oceanographic Institute, will specifically address IPY-5 planning.

Diverse participation

Organisers have made a point of including Indigenous representatives from polar regions alongside traditional scientific voices, acknowledging that local and traditional knowledge plays a crucial role in understanding environmental changes.

The inclusion reflects growing recognition within the scientific community that effective polar policy requires input beyond academia.

Programme details and confirmed speakers have not yet been released.

Prince Albert II has made polar research a priority throughout his reign, participating in expeditions to both poles and using Monaco’s platform to advocate for polar protection.

The biennial symposium has become part of the principality’s broader environmental agenda, which includes ocean conservation and climate action initiatives.

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Photo credit: Philippe Fitte, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation