Shifting Perspectives in Polar Research: Global Lessons on the Barriers and Drivers for Securing Academic Careers in Natural Sciences

Abstract

The polar regions provide valuable insights into the functioning of the Earth’s regulating systems. Conducting field research in such harsh and remote environments requires strong international cooperation, extended planning horizons, sizable budgets and long-term investment. Consequently, polar research is particularly vulnerable to societal and economic pressures during periods of austerity. The global financial crisis of 2008, and the ensuing decade of economic slowdown, have already adversely affected polar research, and the current COVID-19 pandemic has added further pressure. In this article we present the outcomes of a community survey that aimed to assess the main barriers and success factors identified by academic researchers at all career stages in response to these global crises. The survey results indicate that the primary barriers faced by polar early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) act at institutional level, while mitigating factors are developed at individual and group levels. Later career scientists report pressure toward taking early retirement as a means of institutions saving money, reducing both academic leadership and the often unrecognized but vital mentor roles that many play. Gender and social inequalities are also perceived as important barriers. Reorganization of institutional operations and more effective strategies for long-term capacity building and retaining of talent, along with reduction in non-research duties shouldered by EMCRs, would make important contributions toward ensuring continued vitality and innovation in the polar research community.

Cryosphere Sciences Perspectives on Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) Science

“…The first straightforward opportunity is likely the possibility for multidisciplinary (I‐integrated) and multi‐institutional collaborations (N‐networked) that are already in place to some extent for many projects. Cryosphere sampling efforts are often founded on costly, high‐risk, time‐intensive efforts to reach sampling locations and to transport the frozen material to the laboratory destination (e.g., Figuerola et al., 2021). Often, these challenges make cryosphere research feasible only through collaboration.…”

“…Cryosphere research often requires costly travel, equipment, and a significant dedication of time (e.g., Figuerola et al., 2021; Hoag, 2018). These requirements create a barrier to participation for low‐income and/or disabled students (Bangera & Brownell, 2014; Stokes et al., 2019), demographics which may overlap with other underrepresented identities.…”

Cryosphere Sciences Perspectives on Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) Science

“…The first straightforward opportunity is likely the possibility for multidisciplinary (I-integrated) and multi-institutional collaborations (N-networked) that are already in place to some extent for many projects. Cryosphere sampling efforts are often founded on costly, high-risk, time-intensive efforts to reach sampling locations and to transport the frozen material to the laboratory destination (e.g., Figuerola et al, 2021). Often, these challenges make cryosphere research feasible only through collaboration.…”

“…Cryosphere research often requires costly travel, equipment, and a significant dedication of time (e.g., Figuerola et al, 2021;Hoag, 2018). These requirements create a barrier to participation for low-income and/or disabled students (Bangera & Brownell, 2014;Stokes et al, 2019), demographics which may overlap with other underrepresented identities.…”

It’s just that uncertainty that eats away at people: Antarctic expeditioners’ lived experiences of COVID-19

“…There is a large multi-disciplinary body of literature over a period of 50 years discussing the range of psycho-social issues faced by polar expeditioners [ 11 ] and astronauts [ 12 , 13 ] as well as those in other types of ICE environments (e.g., submarines) [ 14 ] and small group/team dynamics [ 15 ]. There is also a growing body of research focusing on the organisational culture of groups in ICE environments [ 16 ].…”