Young forces create new energy

Since the first annual Arctic Frontiers conference in 2007 the Young Scientists Forum (YSF) has been an integrated part of the conference as an international arena for early career researchers working on issues related to the Arctic.

- We are now working on the program for next year’s conference, where focus will be on the global energy outlook and the potential of traditional and renewable energy sources in the High North, says Victoria Braathen, adviser in Akvaplan-niva and coordinator for the YSF. – It is here, in the discussion on the potential for development in the North, that the core of our efforts towards tomorrow’s experts and leaders lies, Braathen adds.

Nearly 300 young scientists, students and pupils took part in the 2011 conference in Tromsø. The aims of the YSF are to create a meeting place for young professionals interested in Arctic issues, to facilitate networking between junior and senior colleagues and to provide tools and training to enhance communication skills and career development. This is done through workshops, open lectures and speed dating.

Arctic Frontiers is arranged in Tromsø every January and has for the last years gathered more than one thousand participants from 23 nations. The conference is organized as a combined scientific and policy conference. All speeches are simultaneously translated into Russian, English and Norwegian, and the conference has a large Russian delegation every year.

Next year’s conference has the title “Polar Might – Energies of the High North” and takes place on January 22-27. The 2012 Young Scientist Forum consists of a variety of activities for young researchers and professionals. Many events such as the Speed Networking Reception, Research Funding Workshop, Polar Art Exhibition, and others are open to everyone.

For further details on program and participation, check out Young Scientists Forum’s web site, for videos from workshops and events, take a look at YSF’s video channel.