POLAR establishes alternative pathways for early-career researchers to conduct high-impact science while bypassing the red tape of traditional funding
Priority and importance start with PhD students and postdocs that wish to further their careers by doing research and science in the polar regions. A base point to create a continuous platform for early-career international researchers must be established so that knowledge gained is not knowledge lost. During times of economic downturn and government funding issues that ultimately arise, it is imperative that an alternative pathway is accessible that complements the already existing system of supporting science in the polar regions.
The Initial phases of the POLAR plan are to accumulate enough funding to support a science expedition to Antarctica. This science expedition, as well as ones in the future, whether in Antarctica or the Arctic, will be designed and developed by the POLAR team members. Once POLAR has garnered successful seasons with proven results stemming from the research, POLAR intends to initiate a proposal process from the international science community. Proposals would be vetted by peer reviewers chosen randomly from around the globe, to which the reviewers would be wholly independent from any university or organization in connection to the grant(s). POLAR plans also include eventual classroom participation either on or off the ice, in conjunction with the International Polar Community.
Utilizing world renowned and respected polar contractors, each science project’s field season design would be short, intense, and focused on maximizing the amount of research done by reducing overhead, red tape, and the over-extension of having too many science projects and not enough resources. By putting emphasis on efficiency, science, and safety, POLAR aims to support quality science expeditions over quantity, thereby shortening the time and any additional seasons spent on the ice, so that continued analysis of the research can be conducted.
