by Te r r y C a l l a g h a n
Broadening Cooperation and Inclusiveness
Many science initiatives and organizations existed prior to IASC. Some of them were disciplinary
in scope and had earlier covered only a part of the
“Rain-dance” for Meetings and
Organizations
Arctic.
«We all know that hundreds if not thousands of
IASC, with its broad mission, faced the challenge of
North American Indians came together to dance
inviting and motivating them for a broader cooper-
ritualistically to make it rain. Of course it did not.
ation. Such an effort is not accomplished overnight.
Too many scientists come together at meetings to
However, initiatives such as the ASSW, ICARP I-III,
discuss and plan, but the implementation does not
SAON, ACIA, etc. presented opportunities to further
follow: It has been a rain-dance.
this broad cooperation (see Chapter 4). A central
recommendation of the IASC Review 2006-2007
My privilege in life has been to lead a network of
was “Positioning IASC as THE focal point for arctic
research station managers and others whose job
research.” Today IASC is very well positioned to be
it is to help others and each other. This resulted in
this focal point, and by partnering with many Arctic,
the formation of a network of friends (INTERACT)
bipolar and global organizations over the last few
that is growing at a great rate. The younger gene-
years, it has come a long way toward achieving this
ration will prosper if they network as friends rather
goal.
than colleagues who can help them implement
research plans, and prevent the rain dance. They
Since approximately 50% of the Arctic region lies
need the old generation to help identify funding
within Russian territory, IASC should continue to
and increased visibility opportunities. »
stimulate Russian scientists to cooperate with
scientists of other Arctic and non-Arctic countries.
IASC provides the opportunity to set up common
research projects in the Arctic.
International Cooperation Leads to
Mutual Benefits and Scientific Progress
The basic reason for engaging in international cooperation is that it brings benefits to the participants.
Some IASC member countries recognize the benefits of participation and increase their endeavors,
while for others there is hesitation or neutrality.
Why the difference? The answer lies in national
organization and preparations.
National organizations adhering to IASC are, ideally, expected to have a national arctic (or polar)
sciences committee covering all fields of polar science. This national committee should be proactive
in discussing projects/programs/issues that would
benefit from international cooperation. The national Council member has the opportunity to present
national proposals at a Council meeting. Being a national Council member means that you have to be
107 Appendices
00 06 The IASC Evolution and Lessons Learned
by Te r r y C a l l a g h a n
Back to the Future
« I have had the personal experience of running
the Back to the Future project in which old guys
took young students into the field to find their old
research sites from 40-50 years ago, to see how
the environment had changed and to hand over
site-stewardship and data to the next generation.
When asked what I would do differently if I had
my time again, my answer was to place my study
sites in valleys and not at the mountain summits.
When I started, I did not think ahead to old age,
so my message to the next generation is to think
ahead. »