Documents

SCAR XXXII IP01: SCAR Membership

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Membership

Authors: M Sparrow, R Badhe

Introduction/ Background:  The membership of SCAR currently comprises 36 National Members and 9 Union Members, with an application from Venezuela for Associate Membership being considered in 2012 (WP 5). Increasing the membership of SCAR has obvious advantages, both by expanding our sphere of influence and our revenue.

Important Issues or Factors: Although SCAR Membership arrears are minimal it is important that those countries who are in arrears do make arrangements with the Secretariat to pay their subscriptions.

Budget Implications: New members increase the resources available to SCAR. Payment arrears decrease available funds.

SCAR XXXII IP02: SCAR Rules of Procedure

SCAR XXXII IP03: Terms of Reference for SCAR President and Vice Presidents

Executive Summary

Title: Terms of Reference for SCAR Presidents and Vice-Presidents

Authors: SCAR Executive Committee

Introduction/ Background: A description of the responsibilities of Trustees (The President and Vice Presidents) are required by UK Charity law. The document also informs Members that may be considering a candidacy for the positions.

These Terms of Reference were originally presented at the 2011 Executive Committee Meeting and modified taking into account discussions held at this meeting.

SCAR XXXII IP04: SCAR Business Plan (Original 2011 Version)

Original Business Case for an Increase in SCAR Membership Fees

Executive Summary

Title: The Case for an Increase in SCAR Membership Fees

Authors: M C Kennicutt II, A Huiskes, M Sparrow, R Badhe

Important Issues or Factors:

Delegates are asked to consider the case for an increase in SCAR Membership fees to offset inflation based on a Business Case (WP6, IPs 4, 5, 6) following the 2010 Resolution:

“Delegates agree the need for an increase in contributions of up to 20% in 2012 based on a business case that SCAR will provide for Delegates to take to their funding agencies.”

The proposed increase in fees recoups the dollar-value lost to inflation from 2006 to 2012 and does not increase SCAR’s base “buying power”. The proposed increase is intended to postpone the need for further fee increases for 6 years. The proposed annual fee increases are: $0 (Category E), $1900 (Category D), $2,600 (Category C), $3,200 (Category B), $4,000 (Category A).

Delegates are asked to approve the proposed annual fee increase to recoup the dollar-value lost to inflation from 2006 to 2012.

If yearly inflationary increases in fees (the policy of most ICSU bodies) remains unacceptable to SCAR members, a procedure for fee increases at regular intervals is needed to ensure the financial viability of SCAR over the long term.

Budget Implications: A procedure for fee increases at regular intervals is needed to ensure the financial viability of SCAR over the long term.

SCAR XXXII IP05: French Response to Business Plan and President’s Response

SCAR XXXII IP07: Report of Cross Linkages Workshop 2011

Executive Summary

Title: Cross Linkages workshops

Authors: M. Sparrow, K. Conlan

Introduction/ Background:

A Cross linkages meeting was held in Ottawa in May 2011 with the express aims to:

 (i) discuss current activities, in particular the new PPGs from a cross cutting perspective (ii) concentrate on new ideas that cross cut programmes and disciplines (iii) identify emerging issues and new frontiers on the horizon that are interdisciplinary.

This report should also be read in conjunction with the report on  “The next Generation of SCAR Research Programmes: Planning Meeting”, which focused on cross linkages between the next generation of SCAR Research Programmes:

SCAR Bulletin 184 – 2013 August – Report of the Programme Planning Group Meeting, Modena, Italy, 2012

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:

Cross linkages meetings will in future be held in conjunction with the Chief Officers’ Meeting held prior to the Executive Committee Meeting in order to reduce costs.

SCAR XXXII IP08: The Ice Sheet Mass Balance and Sea Level (ISMASS) Group 

Executive Summary

Title: The Ice Sheet Mass Balance and Sea Level (ISMASS) Group

Authors: F Navarro, M Sparrow

Introduction/ Background:  The mass balance of a glacier or ice sheet is the net balance between the mass gained by snow deposition, and the loss of mass by melting (either at the glacier surface or under the floating ice shelves or ice tongues) and calving (production of icebergs). A negative mass balance means that a glacier is losing mass, and, for grounded glaciers and ice sheets, this mass loss directly contributes to sea level rise. This is the major reason why it is important to have accurate estimates of the mass balance of glaciers and ice sheets.

Important Issues or Factors: The ISMASS Expert Group is now a joint group of SCAR and IASC. An interim steering committee has been appointed and a workshop planned for the 14^th of July in Portland (sponsored by an ICSU grant plus contributions from SCAR and partners). This workshop will plan the way ahead for ISMASS (see Appendices 3 and 4)

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  SCAR and IASC leadership in a science area with high societal impact (sea level rise)

Partners: ICSU, IASC plus IACS, WCRP/CliC, IGS and others.

Budget Implications: Funds have been requested from SSG-PS

SCAR XXXII IP09: The SCAR Products

SCAR XXXII IP10: Other SCAR Partnerships

Executive Summary

Title: Partnerships

Authors: M Sparrow

Introduction/ Background: In pursuit of its Vision and Mission, SCAR often forms partnerships as an efficient means to achieve its goals and objectives.  SCAR’s partners include other ICSU bodies, entities of the Antarctic Treaty System, organizations with a polar focus, and organizations with a polar interest. The types of partnerships SCAR form vary considerably since each is tailored to best accomplish the shared objectives.  In some instances, formal co-sponsorship of an activity is warranted entailing shared responsibility for programme management and resourcing. SCAR is always open to, and looking for ways, to strengthen existing partnerships and establish new ones.

This paper summarises recent developments with regards to SCAR partnerships. The Delegates are asked to comment as appropriate.

Partners: IASC, IACS, COMNAP, CCAMLR, ICSU, SCOR, WCRP etc.

Budget Implications: Co-sponsorship does involve some budgetary commitments. This is $3000 for CliC (as previous) and $4000 for other co-sponsorships such as CLIVAR/CliC/SCAR Southern Ocean Implementation Panel, IPICS and ICED.

SCAR XXXII IP11: The International Polar Initiative (IPI)

Executive Summary

Title: The International Polar Initiative (IPI)

Authors: M Sparrow

Introduction/ Background:  Initial discussions (including a detailed response by the SCAR Executive Committee) on the concept of an International Polar Decade concluded that if the scientific community and funding agencies were going to support a follow on to the International Polar Year then the concept would need to be rethought and redrafted. In order to facilitate this a Concept Note Steering Group was formed from representatives of AMAP, APECS, EPB-ESF, IASC, IASSA, ICSU, IOC, SCAR, WMO, UoA and UNEP. The Executive Director represented SCAR, but included the rest of the Executive Committee in the discussions. The name of the new initiative is “the International Polar Initiative” (IPI).

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  The Delegates are requested to note progress and comment as appropriate, noting that the concept is still at an early stage.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  If approved the IPI could result in improved coordination between organisations and more efficient use of resources. SCAR will eventually need to decide if it supports such an initiative.

Partners: AMAP, APECS, EPB-ESF, IASC, IASSA, ICSU, IOC, WMO, UoA and UNEP…

Budget Implications: No funds requested as yet

SCAR XXXII IP12: Advice to Other Bodies, such as the IPCC

Executive Summary

Title: Advice to other bodies, such as the IPCC

Authors: M. Sparrow, J Turner

Introduction/ Background: SCAR has a dual mission of science coordination and policy advice. With regard to the latter the focus is very much on providing independent, objective advice to the Antarctic Treaty. However, SCAR also provides advice to other bodies, in particular with regards to the issue of climate change. For example, SCAR is an Observer to the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and sometimes uses ICSU’s observer status to attend relevant workshops or meetings, mainly to provide advice on ice sheet mass balance and sea level. SCAR also contributes to the literature relevant to the IPCC process through individual publications by SCAR scientists and overarching programmes such as AGCS and the proposed SRP AntClim21.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Fulfillment of SCAR’s dual mission of coordination and science advice and ensuring SCAR is seen as an important contributor to the policy arena beyond the Antarctic Treaty.

Partners: IPCC and other relevant policy makers

Budget Implications: $3,000 a year to allow the option of a SCAR representative participating in relevant IPCC workshops or other relevant policy advice meetings

SCAR XXXII IP13: The SCAR and COMNAP Fellowship Scheme

Executive Summary

Title: The SCAR and COMNAP Fellowship scheme

Authors: R Badhe, R Ravindra

Introduction/ Background: 13th of June 2012 was the deadline for applications for the Fellowships for 2012. The selection committee consisted of EXCOM members, SSG/SRP Officers (or their representatives), members of the CBET group, representative of COMNAP, representative of APECS. In total there were 18 valid applicants. To prevent any one of the evaluation team having to take on a large burden, the tasks were divided up, depending on the subject of both the reviewer and applicant.

Important Issues or Factors: EXCOM were asked to approve the selection of the 2012 fellowships, based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee, as these were presented at the Prize Ceremony at the OSC 2012.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The Fellowship program is one of the key capacity building activity that SCAR undertakes.

Partners: This was a joint effort with COMNAP. Further partnership is being explored with CCAMLR.

Budget Implications: Total budget for SCAR Fellowships is $31,500 for the year 2012. Delegates are requested to consider making voluntary contributions to the Fellowship Scheme and to widely advertise the scheme nationally and internationally.

SCAR XXXII IP14: The Martha T Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica

Executive Summary

Title: Martha T Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica

Authors: D. Eerkes-Medrano, R. Badhe

Relevant URLs or references to other reports

http://www.museprize.org/

http://www.tinker.org/content/tinkermuse-prize-science-and-policy-antarctica . (updated link)

Introduction/ Background: The Martha T. Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica is a prestigious US$100,000 unrestricted award presented to an early or mid stage career researcher in the fields of Antarctic science or policy. The award recognizes and honors individuals with the potential for sustained and significant contribution that enhance understanding and/or the preservation of Antarctica. The Prize is a legacy of the International Polar Year 2007-2008. It is administered by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and awarded by the Tinker Foundation. The Selection Committee for the Prize consists of six members of the Antarctic Community representing as highly respected and diverse backgrounds (geopolitically, by discipline and by gender) as possible.

Important Issues or Factors: Established in 2009, the Muse Prize has gained global recognition within the Antarctic and general science community. Prize recipients have had international representation with winners from South Africa (2009), the USA (2010), Portugal (2011), and Australia (2012).

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  The Tinker Foundation has provided 5 years of funds for the Martha T. Muse Prize. Other activities being discussed with Tinker are the possibility of organizing a colloquium for the fifth year of the Prize.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  The contribution of the Muse Prize towards honouring early and mid career leaders in Antarctic science and policy is in line with SCAR’s aims. The SCAR 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 others, and to bring emerging issues to the attention of policy makers”. The Muse Prize allows SCAR to contribute towards its mission by meeting strategic plan aims to: i) encourage excellence in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research, II) developing the capacity of early career scientists, and III) identify evolving issues and emerging frontiers in Antarctic science.

Partners: Tinker Foundation

Budget Implications: The Muse Prize contributes to the salaries of EO and AA, a total contribution of USD 13,102 for 2012

SCAR XXXII IP15: The Visiting Professor Scheme

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Visiting Professor Scheme (draft)

Authors: R Badhe, R Ravindra

Introduction/ Background: The Visiting Professorship is for mid- to late career stage scientists and academics, whose work contributes to the scientific objectives of SCAR, and complements the SCAR Fellowship scheme. This Scheme is similar to Visiting Professor schemes run by our sister organisation, SCOR

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates are asked to consider the draft of this new scheme and comment as appropriate.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The main goal of the scheme is to promote capacity building in the host institute, develop long-term scientific links and partnerships, leading to advances in Antarctic research. The scheme provides mid- to late career stage scientists and academics the opportunity to contribute to SCAR’s objectives and become actively involved in Antarctic research.

Budget Implications: For 2011-12, India has voluntarily contributed USD10,000 for starting this scheme, and from 2013 Delegates are asked to consider funding this scheme to USD 5,000 annually.

SCAR XXXII IP16: Relationship with APECS

Executive Summary

Title: Relationship with APECS

Authors: R Badhe, M Sparrow

Introduction/ Background:  SCAR is actively working with the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) to engage and promote the careers of the next generation of polar scientists. This has proven to be highly beneficial to both organizations. SCAR works closely with APECS to involve early career scientists in all of its activities including, but not limited to, conferences, meetings, symposia, business meetings and scientific subsidiary bodies and programs.

Since the last Delegates meeting SCAR has supported several workshops, the APECS virtual poster session and has submitted (and received) ICSU grants jointly with APCEs and other partners, the latest being to support the Ice Sheet Mass Balance and Sea Level (ISMASS) workshop in Portland.

Important Issues or Factors: Working with APECS is a symbiotic relationship. For SCAR, working with APECS assists SCAR to build capacity in early career scientists and students as per its Capacity Building Plan (2006). For APECS working with SCAR (and IASC) helps establish APECS in the international community and helps give access to funding and expertise (mentors) it might not otherwise have.

As noted in IP 10 (Partnerships) the joint MoU between SCAR, IASC and APECS is due for renewal in 2013. Discussions have already begun between the three organisations on this issue.

An APECS Observer (Erli Costa) will be present at the XXXII Delegates’ Meeting and official observers present at the SSG meetings. APECS are also running workshops during the SCAR Open Science Conference and assisting SCAR with the Poster Prizes.

Partners: APECS

Budget Implications: $4,000 -$5,000 a year for Capacity Building Activities which include, but are not limited to, support of Early Career scientists

SCAR XXXII IP17: The SCAR Website

Executive Summary

Title: The SCAR Website

Authors: M Sparrow

Introduction/ Background: The SCAR web site is the major outlet for the organization to communicate with its members, the general public and scientists interested in SCAR’s work. However the current version is out of date and is very much internally focused on SCAR groups. The next generation SCAR website will be designed to appeal to a much wider audience, including the general public, funders, educators, policy makers, and journalists. SCAR has been exploring techniques used for marking-up the content and fostering cross-linkages between the SCAR site and others to improve search engine rankings. The updated SCAR web site will include dynamic features within, or as an adjunct to, the static web pages (e.g. use of drop-down menus and inclusion of multimedia material). The new web site will be a collaborative work-space, allowing the SCAR groups to manage their own space by using a Content management System.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  EXCOM approved a budget of $10,000 in 2011 to undertake this work.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  Improved visibility of SCAR and improved collaborative workspace for SCAR groups.

Budget Implications: No additional funds requested beyond the original $10,000 approved by EXCOM

SCAR XXXII IP18: SCAR Communications and Climate Change

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Communications and Climate Change

Authors: E Griffin, M Sparrow

Introduction/ Background:

An Antarctic Treaty Meeting of Experts (ATME) on Implications of Climate Change for Antarctic Management and Governance was held in Norway in April 2010. One of the major recommendations was that the ATCM develop an Antarctic climate change communication plan to bring the findings of the SCAR’s Antarctic Climate Change and Environment (ACCE) report to the attention of decision makers, the general public and the media.

Following on from this recommendation, and underpinned by funding from Norway, the UK, and ASOC it was agreed that it would be appropriate for SCAR to lead with this initiative since it was the organisation that organized the review of the science supporting current understanding of climate change in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean region.

Based on this, SCAR has been working on a SCAR Climate Change Communications Plan and is actively implementing innovative ways to improve its communications in this area. This paper, based on a paper submitted to the ATCM, summarises progress to date.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  Improved communications in an important scientific area; application of lessons learnt for other areas of SCAR communications

Partners: Antarctic Treaty

Budget Implications: Funds were received from Norway, the UK and ASOC allowing the hiring on E. Griffin for 1 day a week over a period of one year to work on this initiative.

SCAR XXXII IP19: Other Communications Activities

(Social networking, publications, SCAR Newsletter etc.)

SCAR XXXII IP21: Secretariat Report

Executive Summary

Title: Secretariat Report

Authors: M Sparrow, R Badhe

Introduction/ Background:

With less than 2.5 full time staff the Secretariat has a full workload, particularly during Open Science Conference/Business Meeting/ Delegates’ Meeting years. Quarterly reports are produced for EXCOM and are available from: https://www.scar.org/secretariat-about/quarterly-reports/ (updated link). Temporary/ voluntary staff are used when necessary (see paper).

Budget Implications: $8,000 additional in salaries for 2014 to hire temporary staff to help run the abstract submission system/ deal with queries, liaise with conveners, chairs and local organizing committee and run SCAR business meetings. This would be for 2-3 days a week for the 5 months previous to the meeting itself.

SCAR XXXII IP22: Report of SCAR Executive Committee Meeting, Edinburgh, July 2011