Professor Gerard Jugie and IPF showcase polar research at the CER 2005 conference

The International Polar Foundation (IPF) had a strong presence at the recent Communicating European Research conference (CER 2005) held in Brussels 14-15 November. The conference, organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General Research saw over 2000 scientists, communications experts and media come together to interact and to demonstrate their capabilities and skills in a forum which gave media ready access to the European research at the cutting edge.

The IPF facilitated the presence of Professor Gerard Jugie, Director of France's Institut Polaire Francais Paul Emile Victor (IPEV) and Chair of the European Polar Board (EPB), at a press briefing on 15 November. The press briefing enabled around 40 journalists from TV, radio and print media to hear from Professor Jugie and Paul Egerton, EPB Executive scientific Secretary, about current developments in European polar research, and about the forthcoming International Polar Year 2007-2008.

Media were particularly interested in, and followed up with questions about: the Aurora Borealis project, the EPICA ice core data dating back nearly one million years (and what is likely to be published shortly as a result of examination of the ice cores), participation by new EU member states and the Damocles project. Euronews, the Europe-wide TV network, also interviewed Professor Jugie following his general presentation.

The IPF maintained a stand over the two days and presented Sciencepoles, its website covering polar science and emerging developments in polar research, to conference attendees, and in particular media. The IPF also distributed copies of the IPY information brochure to the 100-plus media representatives attending the conference. The IPF recently assisted the IPY International Programme Office in preparing this short colourful introduction to the scope of the IPY's research activities.