From October 5 to 7, 2026, the CNR Headquarters in Rome will host the 1st National Polar Conference – Poles of Knowledge: From Extreme Lands to Global Challenges. This event is organized by the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) in collaboration with ENEA, INGV, and OGS, with the goal of bringing together, for the first time, the entire Italian community operating in polar regions and extreme environments.

Today, the Arctic, Antarctica, the Third Pole, and mountain glaciers serve as unique natural laboratories for understanding climate change, environmental transformations, ecosystem evolution, and emerging global geopolitical dynamics. Polar research plays a crucial role in generating the vital knowledge needed to tackle the grand challenges of our time: from climate and biodiversity to energy and security, as well as the development of innovative technologies and advanced Earth observation systems.

The Conference aims to establish a permanent platform for dialogue among institutions, research bodies, universities, businesses, young researchers, and stakeholders. This will foster a shared vision for the future of Italian polar research and strengthen Italy’s role on the international stage. The event marks the first step of a national journey toward the 5th International Polar Year (IPY 2032–2033), aiming to enhance the coordination of the Italian scientific community and contribute collectively to future international initiatives dedicated to polar regions.

Why Polar Regions Matter

Polar regions represent one of the planet’s primary observation systems. The changes occurring in the Arctic, Antarctica, and major glacial regions influence the global climate, ocean circulation, sea level rise, biodiversity, the carbon cycle, and numerous processes with direct impacts on society.

Italy has been active in polar regions for decades through high-quality scientific programs, research infrastructures, oceanographic campaigns, and international collaborations. Today, amid rapid climate change and new geopolitical challenges, it is essential to reinforce national coordination, leverage existing expertise, and build a shared strategy that integrates research, observations, data, education, and innovation. The Conference offers an opportunity to consolidate the Italian polar community, foster new interdisciplinary collaborations, and help define future national and European scientific priorities.

Organized by: CNR (National Research Council of Italy)
Contact Person: conferenzapolare@cnr.it
Access: Registration / Accreditation required
Website: https://conferenzapolare.cnr.it/