The polar regions are experiencing rapid and dramatic changes. Often viewed as early indicators of global climate change, changes in the cryosphere have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, sea level, weather patterns, and human activities. Quantifying these changes and understanding their drivers and impacts remains a pressing scientific and societal challenge.

The ESA Polar Science Cluster collocation meeting brings together the polar and cryosphere research community to share progress, identify research priorities, strengthen collaboration and align scientific efforts. By fostering exchange, the meeting aims to advance the use of Earth Observation in cryospheric science, and enhance the integration of Earth Observation, in-situ measurements, modelling, and innovative methodologies to improve understanding of polar processes.

The event will take place in Innsbruck, Austria, from 15th to 17th September, with an excursion on 18th September.

The overall objectives for this workshop are to:

• Present the latest activities of ESA Polar Science Cluster projects
• Highlight new and innovative opportunities for Earth Observation in cryospheric science
• Identify scientific priorities, gaps and challenges to help define the next polar science research goals
• Share the latest research and scientific results within polar science including the use of Earth Observation and synergies with modelling and in-situ activities.
• Foster collaboration between ESA Polar Science Cluster Projects, EU Horizon European and other international initiatives (Antarctica InSync, IPY5, etc.)
  Theme

All research related to polar science and the cryosphere is welcome. The focus of the meeting includes:

• Ice Sheets and ice shelves
• Sea Ice
• Glaciers
• Permafrost
• Ocean – Ice – Atmosphere interactions
• Ecology and biodiversity
• Methodological Advances in Earth Observation (new data products, future missions)
• Methodological Synergies (Earth Observation, In-situ, modelling, AI)

For more information about  the Abstract submission and Registration , visit the official event website 👉ESA Polar Science Cluster Collocation Meeting 2026