Proposal for support for an International symposium on sea ice in the physical and biogeochemical system

Sea ice is a relatively fragile part of the Earth system, important for the understanding of many subjects, from climate, to biodiversity, and society. Every 5 years since 2000 the International Glaciological Society (IGS, www.igsoc.org) co-sponsors an In ternational Sea Ice Symposium (the previous was in New Zealand, 2005). The symposia provide an opportunity for scientists studying sea ice to come together, exchange results, to forge/strengthen collaborations, and to identify future research directions. In addition, the IGS offers a special issue of a peer-reviewed scientific journal, Annals of Glaciology. The next sea ice symposium is being organized by the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) in collaboration with the University of Tromsø (UiTø), and will t ake place in Tromsø 31 May - 4 June 2010. Given the changes to Arctic sea ice that have been observed recently, the extensive new IPY sea ice research, and the relevance of new climate assessments, this symposium is very timely, and it will provide a valu able opportunity to communicate sea ice news. By working with the Arctic marine biology group at UiTø, and by reaching out to sea-ice ecologists and sea-ice related socioeconomic scientists, our goal is to make the symposium truly interdisciplinary. Attra cting some of the many young scientists will also be important for ensuring a representative group of participants. Therefore, we anticipate to reduce the registration fee for students and to offer some extended talks to young scientists with exceptional abstracts. Increased media attention towards sea ice in the last years has been leading to an increase in more public interest in the topic. To encourage that interest and to educate the residents of Tromsø about sea ice, we plan for a public lecture give n by a Norwegian scientist. In this proposal we are requesting support for publication of the special issue, in arraning the public lecture and for reducing the cost of the symposium for students.