International Conference on Engaging with Polar Regions: Science, Human Ecology and Geopolitics

Organizer: International Centre for Polar Studies (ICPS), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala

About the Conference

  • When: October 26-28, 2023
  • Call for Abstracts
  • Mode: Offline
  • Registration Fee Needed- Registration shall be done online
  • Registration fee includes conference materials, lunch and other refreshment.

Venue and Date: The conference is being hosted by the International Centre for Polar Studies, Kerala, at Mahatma, Gandhi University premises during October 26-28, 2023.

Target Group

The ICPS aims to develop consensus among the scientists and policymakers towards research and
innovations. The physical interactions in 2023 will strive to encourage a higher degree of cooperation
and collaboration in cross border scientific programmes among like-minded research
groups/institutions for sustaining research in the area of polar science & geopolitics, climate change
and sustainability under hostile environment and help resource sharing for the benefit of mankind in
general.

Scientific, Human Ecological & Geopolitical session

Researchers are invited to participate and present their findings on various aspects of Polar Regions including Himalayas. The conference may be invited and selected, oral and poster presentations. High quality original and unpublished work (conceptual, constructive, empirical, experimental, or theoretical) shall be encouraged.

COLLABORATING INSTITUTES

  • NCPOR, Goa
  • School of Environmental Sciences, MGU
  • School of International Relations and Politics, MGU
  • Inter University Center for Social Science Research and Extension, MGU
  • CUSAT-NCPOR Centre for Polar Sciences

Introduction

The rapid changes in polar ecosystem have ecosystemic, socio- political and governance implications.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the melting glaciers,
disappearing sea ice, and thawing permafrost in the Arctic have led to predominantly negative impacts,
on food security, water resources, water quality, infrastructure, transportation, tourism, and recreation.
The socio-cultural and human geographical implications, often with indigenous dimensions, are
complex.

With India’s interest in the Poles, especially after formulating policy on the Arctic & Antarctica bill in
2022, India’s Arctic Policy aims to enhance the country’s cooperation with the rapidly transforming
Arctic region. The policy also seeks to combat climate change and protect the environment in the region,
which is warming three times faster than the rest of the world.

ICPS is hosting a conference that stretches on scientific, social & diplomatic frames in the polar region.
The conference aims to highlight the research in alignment with the critical international relationship in
the Arctic, Antarctic and the third pole- Himalayan region in the arena of socio-economic, political,
anthropologic, ethnographic and traditional knowledge.

ICPS aims to step up its contribution to polar geopolitics and policymaking. The international
conference will highlight climate change, cryospheric science, Polar Regions geopolitics,
environmental governance and anthropology regarding power and legitimacy, challenging polar
technology, blue economy, and environmental pollutants etc. Your active participation is, therefore,
imperative.

EPR-2023 also aims to bring eminent researchers and scientists working in the diverse Polar region of
the Arctic, Antarctic, Southern Ocean and the Himalayas to a common ground. This event will also
provide a platform for Early Career Researchers to interact and exchange their research ideas, findings
and experiences. The EPR 2023 aims to

  • create awareness about Polar issues among the research scholars as also the media, bureaucrats and the intelligentsia and discuss the impact of climate change on the polar regions of the Arctic, Antarctica and the Himalayas as well as the Southern Ocean.
  • bring together scientists from a broad spectrum, research scholars, academicians and also policy makers.
  • discuss sustainability aspects in the Polar region with the rapid warming of the region.
  • shape the future adaptation and exploration programmes

Conference Topics

I. Social Science

  • Geopolitics of the Arctic
  • Big power Forays into the Arctic
  • India’s Arctic policy
  • India’s Antarctic Law
  • Ukraine war and the Arctic geopolitics Polar Research in Changing Society
  • Humans in Changing Arctic
  • Polar Resources and Governance: Chances and Risks
  • Polar Ecosystems: State, Changes and Management
  • Understanding traditional knowledge, ecology, and biodiversity conservation of the Arctic
    ecosystem
  • Environmental economic and Human Development Index of the Arctic ecosystem.
  • Indigenous people and culture of the Arctic regions
  • Socio-cultural impacts on the Arctic environment and cultural ecology.
  • Anthropology, Ethnography, Indigenous Natural Resource Management of the Arctic Region
  • Sustainable tourism in the Polar Regions

II. Science

  • Glaciers, Ice Sheets and Sea-level Rise
  • Tectonics and Geodynamic Processes of Polar Regions
  • Stratigraphy and Evolutionary Dynamics at High Latitudes
  • Facing Polar Climate Change: Insights from the Past
  • Changing Atmosphere-Land-Ocean Systems in the Eurasian Arctic
  • Permafrost in a Warming World: Impacts and Consequences
  • Organisms in the Face of Climate Change: Discoveries and New Approaches

Guidelines for Abstract Submission

The abstract text is to be limited to a maximum of 350 words, typed in Arial font size 12 in MS Word, mentioning the Title, Name(s) of the Author(s), affiliation with the Organisation should be submitted through the conference website https://icps.mgu.ac.in/. Abstracts must focus on scientific/operational results or their application. An author can submit only one abstract as a first author.

While submitting the abstract, the author must mention the sub-theme under which he/she is willing to present their work and the name of the corresponding author during online submission. Author should also indicate Oral or Poster while submitting an abstract for the conference. However, the final decision on Oral or Poster will be announced while accepting the abstract. Final decisions regarding the placement of individual abstracts and sessions rest with the Session Chairs and Scientific Organizing Committee. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all co-authors have agreed to be listed on the abstract.

Registration Fees and Details

  • For Foreign Delegates: USD 2000/-
  • For Research Students/Associates Rs.1000/-
  • For Scientist/ Others: Rs. 2000/-
  • Onsite Registration: Rs. 2500/- Online payment/Cash will be accepted for Onsite Registration.

For online transfer of amount through NEFT the following details be noted:

  • Name of Account holder: Convener, EPR-2023
  • Account No: 42111792022
  • IFSC- SBIN0070669

Deadline and important dates

  • Online registration starts: August 15, 2023
  • Last date for abstract submission: September 20, 2023
  • Notification of Acceptance of Abstract September 30, 2023
  • Online registration Closes October 15, 2023

Accommodation and Travel

Shared hostel/shared hotel accommodation can be provided for Research Students/ Research fellows, on request. List of hotels at Kottayam (short distance from conference venue) on concessional prices will be available for booking directly on payment basis

Organizing Committee
Dr C.T Aravindakumar (Chairman)
Dr Mahesh Mohan (Covener)
Dr Mathew A Varghese (Co-convener)
Dr. KM Seethi
Dr. EV Ramasamy
Dr. Lirar Pulikkalakathu
Dr Baiju KR
Dr. C. Vinodan
Advisory CommitteeDr. Thamban Meloth
Dr. Manish Tiwari
Dr. Rahul Mohan
Dr. AA Mohamed Hatha
Dr. Sunil PS
Dr. Knut Mikjel Rio
Dr. Murat V. Ardelan
Dr. Marten Loonen
Prof. Roland Kallenborn

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