international
polar
foundation

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About us

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About us

Careers

International
Polar
Foundation

Earth

International
Polar
Foundation

Who we are

Who we are

International
Polar
Foundation

Who we are

Founded by Belgian polar explorer Alain Hubert, Prof. Hugo Decleir and Prof. André Berger in 2002, the Brussels-based International Polar Foundation provides a novel interface between science and society, and was recognised by Belgian Royal Statute as a foundation for the public good in 2002. HM King Philippe is the International Polar Foundation's honorary president.

The Foundation seeks to bring about a keener appreciation of the role of science, particularly research in the Polar Regions, through a re-examination of the planet’s interconnections, its fragility, the impact of human actions on the environment, and the evolution of millennial climate cycles.

To achieve its aims, the Foundation has initiated several high-profile projects; this includes supporting polar science through the creation and operation of the wind-and-solar-powered zero emission Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station, logistical support of scientists working in Antarctica, fellowship awards for Antarctic researchers, an annual symposium on Arctic issues, and several science and education websites and classroom activities and resources.

International
Polar
Foundation

What we stand for

Polar Sciences

The arctic and the antarctic, and the scientific Research done in these regions can be used to communicate about climate change and the challanges our societies must meet to mitigate its effects.

Polar Sciences

International
Polar
Foundation

What we stand for

Education & Outreach

Education & Outreach

Education and communication help world citizens to take informed decisions and move towards more sustainable, low carbon societies. Younger generations will have to be prepared to meet the climate challenge.

International
Polar
Foundation

What we stand for

Innovation & Sustainability

Technologies needed to meet the climate challenge are already available today. Building a "Zero Emission" station in one of the most hostile environments on earth, using existing technologies, is a testament to that vision.

Innovation & Sustainability

The Princess Elisabeth Antarctica a few days after opening for 2024-2025 BELARE campaign.

The 2024-2025 BELgian Antarctic Research Expedition (BELARE) has officially begun with opening team hard at work!

The first 14 members of the BELgian Antarctic Research Expedition (BELARE) are off to a strong start opening and preparing the station for the arrival of scientists in the coming days. 

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Part of the contemporary portion of the MAS exhbition 'To the Antarctic'.

"To the Antarctic" Exhibition at MAS Closes but Leaves Behind Great Memories and Many Successes

The MAS exhibition 'To the Antarctic' welcomed more than 45,00 visitors over the 4.5 months that it was open to the public. 

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Aymar de Lichtervelde presenting about the water treatment system at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica zero-emission polar research station

Another Successful Trip to the Arctic Circle Assembly

The International Polar Foundation was again present and active at the annual Arctic Circle Assembly and accompanying Arctic Circle Business Forum in Reykjavik, Iceland from October 17th-19th.

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A view of Bodø, Norway from above.

Arctic Futures Symposium 2024 Fast Approaching!

The latest edition of the annual Arctic Futures Symposium organised by the International Polar Foundation and its many Arctic stakeholder partners will take place in early December. Register to secure your spot!

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Alain Hubert receiving the 2024 Belgica Prize from Prof. Roland Souchez

Remembering Roland Souchez

IPF is sad to learn of the passing of glaciologist Professor Roland Souchez, who made important contributions to the fields of glaciology and climate science during his decades-long career.

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Lego enthusiast Daniel Vermeir poses with his scale replica of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica

LEGO Enthusiast Daniel Vermeir on his Scale Model of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Station

To celebrate the opening of the exhibit “To the Antarctic: Belgica’s Polar Pioneers”, Antwerp resident and LEGO enthusiast Daniel Vermeir built an amazing scale model of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica, the world’s first and to date only zero-emission polar research station.

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“To the Antarctic” Exhibition Opens June 21st at MAS Museum in Antwerp

“To the Antarctic” Exhibition Opens June 21st at MAS Museum in Antwerp

The International Polar Foundation has been part of creating a fascinating new exhibition on Belgium's contributions to Antarctic exploration and research, opening at the MAS Museum in Antwerp starting from Friday, June 21st.

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MAS Expo Opening Evening

Much-Awaited Exhibit at MAS Museum in Antwerp Opens to Large Crowds

After much anticipation, on Thursday, June 20th, the exhibition “To the Antarctic: Belgica’s Polar Pioneers” at Antwerp’s MAS Museum officially opened its doors.

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European Sustainable Energy Week Invites Alain Hubert to “Debate with Ambassadors” Panel

European Sustainable Energy Week Invites Alain Hubert to “Debate with Ambassadors” Panel

On Tuesday, June 11th, IPF Founder and President Alain Hubert was invited to participate in the “Debate with Ambassadors” panel at European Sustainable Energy Week 2024 (EUSEW24).

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Alain Hubert Awarded Prestigious Belgica Prize at Ceremony in Brussels

Alain Hubert Awarded Prestigious Belgica Prize at Ceremony in Brussels

At a ceremony held the afternoon of Monday, June 10th at The Royal Academy of Sciences of Belgium, Alain Hubert, Founder and President of the International Polar Foundation, received the prestigious Belgica Prize alongside French glaciologist Professor Jérôme Chappellaz.

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