April 13, 2026

POLARIN Launches Second TA Call for Access to Core Repositories The POLARIN project opened its second Transnational Access (TA) Call for Access to Core Repositories on April 7. POLARIN has four core repositories in its network: UiT CORES, BAS-PSCF, AWI-SED, AWI-ICE. In this first call, access will be offered to two repositories: UiT CORES and BAS-PSCF.   Researchers seeking access to POLARIN’s core repository sample collections will have until 5 June 2026, 4 pm CEST to submit their applications. Following the submission deadline, applications will undergo an assessment carried out by the Research Infrastructure (RI) operators and call results are expected by the end of June 2026.   Applicants will be required to complete an online form providing essential project details, including the project title, summary, anticipated publications, alignment with POLARIN’s key research priorities, and proposed access dates for sample acquisition or shipment. In addition to the online form, the following documents must be uploaded as attachments: A sample request form The CV of the project leader A tentative Data Management Plan, which is a mandatory component under POLARIN guidelines Early Career Researchers (ECRs) applying for sample access will also need to include one to two recommendation letters from their academic supervisors. You can learn more about the call and how to apply here.

POLARIN Showcased Collaboration and Access Opportunities at ASSW 2026 POLARIN was actively represented at the Arctic Science Summit Week 2026, where it brought together its community of researchers and partners to highlight opportunities for collaboration, access, and innovation across polar research. From 25 March to 1 April 2026, POLARIN members were present at a joint booth with the INTERACT Non-Profit Association, located in the main hall near the registration desk and main auditorium. The booth served as a central hub for engagement, where visitors met the team and learned more about POLARIN’s network of research infrastructures across both the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as its Transnational Access opportunities. Community Session Fostered Collaboration  A key highlight of POLARIN’s presence was the POLARIN Community Networking and New Research Opportunities session, held on 28 March 2026. The interactive session brought together researchers supported by POLARIN to exchange experiences and foster new interdisciplinary collaborations. Participants received insights into the upcoming third Transnational Access call, along with new opportunities for Virtual Access to polar research data. The session was organised by Hannele Savela and Vanessa Spadetto. During the session, POLARIN Project Coordinator Nicole Biebow presented an overview of the project. Further details on Transnational Access, virtual access opportunities, and the POLARIN data hub were shared by Hannele Savela, Vanessa Spadetto, and Zoé Brasseur. A highlight of the discussion was a presentation by Joost van Genuchten, who reflected on his experience as a POLARIN Transnational Access user. Through his POLARIN-funded project PROMETHEUS, aims to study methane emissions from proglacial lakes at the Sermilik and Zackenberg field stations. Additional perspectives were provided by Katrine Raundrup, who shared insights as a research infrastructure operator offering access through POLARIN. She highlighted how both infrastructures and researchers benefited from Transnational Access programmes. Contributions Across the ASSW Programme  Beyond its dedicated session, POLARIN contributed actively to the broader ASSW programme. Nicole Biebow presented project updates at the FARO business meeting, providing participants with the latest developments from the initiative. POLARIN representatives also participated in the EU Polar Cluster workshop, organised by the European Polar Coordination Office, titled “Polar Science Beyond Projects: Legacy, Policy, and Impact”, held on 29 March 2026. Nicole Biebow took part as a panelist, while Hannele Savela served as moderator, contributing to discussions on the long-term impact and policy relevance of polar research initiatives.