Information for journalists wishing to attend ISAES 2011

Date for your diary: International Symposium of Antarctic Earth Sciences (ISAES) 2011

The role the Polar Regions play in understanding the world, 11-15 July, University of Edinburgh

Over 500 experts in Earth sciences from around the world meet next month in Edinburgh (11-15 July) to discuss the latest scientific research from the Polar Regions. For the first time in over 20 years, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is hosting the prestigious conference International Symposium of Antarctic Earth Sciences (ISAES) in the UK.

The Symposium, which is organised and hosted by University of Edinburgh, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, British Antarctic Survey and British Geological Survey, will ask big questions about the Polar Regions. How was the supercontinent formed? What life existed millions of years ago and how has it adapted through rainforests and its current cold state? What lies beneath the Antarctica’s vast 3km thick ice sheet and what clues does it hold to life on other planets like Mars?

ISAES Committee Chair, Professor Martin Siegert from University of Edinburgh says, “The Polar Regions are natural laboratories for monitoring change. As we enter a changing world we need the best information to understand what the Polar Regions can tell us about Planet Earth and how they are being affected. This meeting will bring together world-leading experts to discuss latest results to advance our understanding the role the Polar Regions play.”

ENDS

Athena Dinar tel. ++44 (0) 1223 221414, mobile 07736 921693, email: [email protected]

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences 2011 will be held at the John McIntyre Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh from 11-15 July. See www.isaes2011.org.uk. A press conference takes place at 10.00am on Monday 11 July in the Salisbury Room in the John McIntyre Centre. A Press Centre will operate at the venue from Mon 11 - Wed 13 July.

The Cambridge-based British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is a world leader in research into global environmental issues. With an annual budget of around 45 million, five Antarctic Research Stations, two Royal Research Ships and five aircraft, BAS undertakes an interdisciplinary research programme and plays an active and influential role in Antarctic affairs. BAS has joint research projects with over 40 UK universities and has more than 120 national and international collaborations. It is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council. More information about the work of the Survey can be found at: www.antarctica.ac.uk

The British Geological Survey (BGS), a component body of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the nation's principal supplier of objective, impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and information for decision making for governmental, commercial and individual users. The BGS maintains and develops the nation's understanding of its geology to improve policy making, enhance national wealth and reduce risk. It also collaborates with the national and international scientific community in carrying out research in strategic areas, including energy and natural resources, our vulnerability to environmental change and hazards, and our general knowledge of the Earth system. More about the BGS can be found at www.bgs.ac.uk.

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is an interdisciplinary body of ICSU. SCAR’s strategic vision is for a world where the science of the Antarctic region benefits all, excellence in science is valued and scientific knowledge informs policy. SCAR’s mission is to be the leading non-governmental, international facilitator and advocate of research in and from the Antarctic region, to provide objective and authoritative scientific advice to the Antarctic Treaty and other bodies such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and to bring emerging issues to the attention of policy makers. SCAR’s membership currently includes 36 member countries and 9 ICSU unions. For further details see www.scar.org.