A major step forward for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY-5).

As the polar science community gathers in Oslo for the SCAR Open Science Conference, preparations for IPY-5 (2032–2033) are taking shape. This week, Norway was announced as the host of the new International Coordination Office, in partnership with the Republic of Korea and Chile.

A timely moment to hear from Henry Burgess, President of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), and Gary Wilson, President of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), in the latest interview from our series From Arctic to Antarctic: A Global Story of Change and Stewardship.

Speaking at the Monaco Polar Symposium, they reflect on what makes IPY-5 a unique opportunity for international scientific cooperation, at a time of rapid change across both polar regions.

But the ambition goes beyond 2032–2033. From stronger observing systems and international partnerships to greater scientific capacity, they explore what IPY-5 needs to put in place now to leave a lasting legacy well beyond the International Polar Year itself.

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