International Polar Foundation Information

The International Polar Foundation (IPF) was founded in 2002, by Belgian polar explorer Alain Hubert, glaciologist, Prof. Hugo Decleir, and climate scientist, Prof. André Berger. IPF was created as a foundation for the public good, and HM King Philippe of Belgium is the Honorary President. IPF's key mission is to support scientific research to foster a keener appreciation of the role science plays in society. In particular, research in the Polar Regions which allows a thorough re-examination of the planet’s interconnections, its fragility, the impact of human activities on the environment, and the evolution of millennial climate cycles. Notable amongst IPF activities are: PRINCESS ELISABETH ANTARCTICA research station: IPF with the help of private sector partners, conceived of and built the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica; the first ‘zero emission’ polar research station run entirely on renewable energies (wind and solar). The station has been operational and has supported scientific research since the 2006-07 Antarctic season. IPF gifted part of the station to the Belgian State in March 2010, and became the operator with full responsibility for the management, maintenance, supervision, provision of logistical and technical support, and security for scientific missions undertaken at and in the vicinity of the station. www.antarcticstation.org BAILLET LATOUR ANTARCTICA FELLOWSHIP: a biennial €150,000 grant provided by the Baillet Latour Fund to support young scientists from around the world to conduct scientific research out of Princess Elisabeth Antarctica. ARCTIC FUTURES SYMPOSIUM: held annually each fall to raise awareness of important developments occurring in the Arctic region, promote dialogue between Arctic stakeholders, and empower local communities in the Circumpolar North. www.arcticfutures.org