International Polar Year

The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 marked the largest-ever international program of scientific research focused on the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Thousands of scientists and researchers from more than 60 nations around the globe participated. While health research is not new to international collaborations, this International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008, was the first to include human dimensions as a thematic area of study.

Theme for the human dimension: “to investigate the cultural, historical, and social processes that shape the sustainability of circumpolar human societies, and to identify their unique contributions to global cultural diversity and citizenship.”

In Canada we were fortunate to have a well supported research program which supported activities over the years. While the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research was just starting during the planning phases of IPY, the increased support for Arctic Health Research was timely and provided many opportunities to engage northern health scientists and for a northern Institute to provide perspectives and contribute to the activities. This was particularly true for the 14th

International Congress on Circumpolar Health, which served to highlight IPY research projects that focused on the health and wellness of Arctic peoples.

While the polar years have come and gone, opportunities and collaborations in international health research continue and ICHR is pleased to be part of ongoing initiatives which will contribute to the health and sustainability of northern populations and communities.

ICHR Activities

ICHR was involved in the International Polar Year in a variety of activities which supported northern engagement, best practices in health research, and the dissemination of findings. We had opportunities to share experiences and perspectives on circumpolar health and research as an invited keynote at the International Polar Year Oslo Science Conference in Oslo, Norway and through a Plenary Address at the IPY Early Results Workshop. Contributions were also made to the health chapter of the Joint Council International Polar Year Report.

ICHR also supported proposal writing workshops in Yellowknife and Inuvik in partnership with the NWT International Polar Year Coordinator. These workshops provided an overview of funding program objectives and introductory skills in proposal writing.

ICHR Staff were also active in the following ways:

Committees

• IPY Project Review Committee
• IPY Time Capsule Committee
• Steering Committee, Inuit Health Survey (Inuvialuit Settlement Region)
• Steering Committee, HPV Prevalence Study

Keynote Speeches

• “Human Health and Wellbeing of Northern Communities.” Plenary Address at the IPY Early Results Workshop, Ottawa, Ontario, February 16-18, 2010.
• “The International Polar Year: Building Health Research Capacity in Canada and Greenland.” Keynote presented at the International Polar Year Science Conference, Oslo, Norway, June 8-12, 2010.

Web and Print Publications

• Designed website for IPY Gas, Arctic Peoples, and Security (GAPS) Initiative (www.ipygaps.org) and hosted researchers traveling through NWT (2008).
• Designed, published, and distributed Inuit Health Survey Report for Inuvialuit Settlement Region (2010).
• Coordinated selection and editing process for the Proceedings for the 14th International Congress on Circumpolar Health: Securing the IPY Legacy: From Research to Action, Yellowknife, NT, July 11-16, 2009.