- Move responsibility for the organization of the
all components of the arctic system. The AOS is led
bi-annual, science-focused ASSW to the inter-
by the IASC Network “International Study of Arctic
national coordinating group chaired by IASC.
Change (ISAC)” (see Appendix 6.3) and is a contri-
- Invite the IASSA and organizations representing
bution to the Sustaining Arctic Observing Network
polar residents to take a more active role in
(SAON) initiative (see Chapter 2.8).
planning for the ASSW, and to hold their execu tive sessions during that time to facilitate inter-
Today, the ASSW is a formal gathering of Arctic
actions between the scholarly community and
science organizations aimed at encouraging inter-
polar residents.
action and cross-fertilization between the various
organizations. Experience so far shows that the
In 2008, the IASC Council agreed to the changes
ASSW provides a key arena for enhancing cooper-
recommend by the Review and Strategy Group.
ation. Most attendees find it to be an extremely
The 2009 ASSW in Bergen (Norway) was the first
valuable opportunity for sharing information, form-
gathering of the arctic science organizations that
ing alliances, and meeting collaborators. Further-
included a Science Symposium. The event was a
more, ASSW has been an invaluable venue for IASC
great success, attracting more than 300 scientists,
to build ties with Arctic organizations. In fact, ASSW
students, policy-makers and other professionals. Af-
has functioned as a pathway to bring IASC out of
ter the success of the Bergen meeting, IASC and its
its early years of ‘isolation’ and place it as the lead-
partner organizations involved in the ASSW, decided
ing international organization for Arctic research.
to arrange a Science Symposium every second year.
ASSW has provided attendees with the unique
A business-oriented ASSW is held in alternate years.
opportunity to learn about and experience Arctic
Since 2014 these business-oriented ASSWs include
research from host countries, establish new
a high-level, biennial Arctic Observi