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The major international meeting on Antarctic research, in Barcelona

300 experts from the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research discuss the present and future of this continent

From 15 to July 19, the XI edition of the SCAR Biology Symposium will take place in Barcelona, organized by the Institute of Marine Sciences (CSIC) in collaboration with CosmoCaixa Barcelona. The symposium, which is held every four years, coincides with the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Spanish Antarctic Base Juan Carlos I and is the first time to be held in Spain.

The main theme for the XIth Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) symposium is "Life in Antarctica: Boundaries and Gradients in a Changing Environment". This symposium links the functional importance of land and water ecosystems and their biocomplexity, under an ecosystemic perspective in order to understand the Antarctic trophic web, effects of human impacts such as the ozone hole, climate change, the increase in tourism activities, the flexible boundaries and dynamic gradients in Antarctic ecosystem, as well the Antarctic marine biodiversity through its patterns, processes and trends.

An important aspect of this symposium is the outreach and education section, which will emphasize the importance of communication between polar researchers and educators in order to improve understanding and connections between scientists and society. Moreover, one of the aims of the symposium is transferring scientific knowledge beyond the scientific community and letting the general public take an active part in post-symposium hands-on activities, open lectures, seminars, courses and exhibitions. Such exposure will be of undoubtedly benefit to polar science. The newly created Spanish Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS Spain) is going to be highly involved in the symposium by organising round table sessions and preparing outreach contents. 

Further information: SCAR Biology Symposium

 

 

Publication date: Tuesday, 16 July 2013
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