Informal Group Discussions at the Atmospheric Sciences Workshop

Discussion Topics

The UK Polar Network Atmospheric Sciences Workshop will include informal discussions between senior scientists and early career polar researchers. Some of the questions we will be debating are below. We are very fortunate to have Nick Owens, the director of BAS, and other members of the BAS board joining us at these discussions, along with the key speakers at the workshop. We hope this will lead to a lively and informed debate on the future of polar research, and the challenges posed by the polar regions, both for those making measurements and those modelling the environment. This is the chance for those who will go on to shape the future of polar research to ask questions of those who've been doing just that for the last few decades!

What is the best way to answer questions pertaining to climate change scepticism in media interviews?

What does the panel think about current climate modelling efforts and how best resources can be allocated i.e is there a need for an international climate modelling group supported by several organizations and funded by many nations.

Are there plans to have another interdisciplinary research initiative in the Arctic after the International Polar Year initiative finishes?

The future of polar sciences - what are the 'hot topics' which are likely to spur research over the coming years?

How do climate models perform in high-latitudes?

The importance of the understanding of mesoscale weather phenomena in enhancing our capabilities in predicting potentially significant climate changes in the polar regions