Early Career Community of Practice

Scope of Activities

To provide a forum and collaboration space where those who actively identify as “early career” can connect with the broader research community and share opportunities and announcements within the community. The US National Committee of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (USAPECS), is an example of an engaged network of early career researchers and Arctic stakeholders that are connected primarily through announcements via email listservs, social media and meetups/panels at conferences. However, it can sometimes be a challenge to know who this community is, find ways to connect, and reach new members. Therefore, an interactive tool to connect is needed. IARPC provides a platform for maintaining a profile that allows others to find you, collaborate on topics of interest, and share information. This team would also allow the opportunity to expand the USAPECS network beyond traditional earth sciences to social scientists and Indigenous community members, and to facilitate a path for the USAPECS community and early career scientists to participate in the work of IARPC and the broader research community.

Goals

• Enhance the work of USAPECS and early career individuals engaged in Arctic issues by connecting them to the broader Arctic research community through the tools available within IARPC Collaborations
• Provide a pipeline for early career scientists to get involved with IARPC 
• Share conferences and events, funding opportunities, training and workshops with the community
• Allow the established Arctic community a means to engage with early career professionals

Team Leaders

Angela Bliss
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Samantha Halstead Santez
NASA Goddard Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory

Michael Gallagher
CIRES/NOAA/NSIDC (Website)

Mindy Jewell Price
Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University (Website)

Monika Sikand
Stevens Institute of Technology (Website)

Deliverables from the Arctic Research Plan

MOMP 3 Support coordination and engagement with Federal, State, international, and non-Federal partners who are conducting monitoring, observing, modeling, and prediction in the Arctic.

• MOMP 3.4 Support participation of U.S. researchers in international Arctic observing and observational planning efforts to evaluate and improve the Arctic Observing Network. Progress will be tracked in relevant scientific papers, presentations, international arrangements, and/or meeting sessions.

MOMP 4 Support best practices in field observations and modeling.

• MOMP 4.1 Build on existing efforts within federal agencies to share resources and implement best practices for improving field safety culture, and enforcing safe working environments in the field, including both physical safety while working in harsh and remote Arctic environments and emotional safety from harassment and hostile working conditions.
• MOMP 4.3 Promote the integration of early career students, researchers, and professionals working in Arctic-related fields in MOMP activities, meetings, webinars, and workshops to facilitate early career engagement in IARPC activities.

RISK 1 Summarize currently available data and information requirements associated with hazard and risk mitigation, adaptation, and response efforts. Synthesize community-led activities and information to identify potential needs for future efforts.

• RISK 1.3 Develop a network that brings together scientists, the emergency management community, and key agency contacts to share knowledge, identify new and emerging challenges, and inform decision-making and operations through research.

TCEP 1 Strengthen and streamline Tribal consultation processes related to Arctic research activities by enhancing coordination, transparency, and accessibility across IARPC Agencies and those engaged in Arctic research.

• TCEP 1.1 Identify and engage with IARPC Federal Agencies and associated entities that have the largest volume of Arctic research activities that may affect Alaska Native Villages and ANCSA corporations. Characterize the type of activities that fall into this category, and identify opportunities for coordination and efficiency, as well as good practices and lessons learned.
• TCEP 1.2 Develop a report of Tribal and ANCSA corporation consultations and engagement practices conducted by IARPC Federal Agencies and associated entities as they relate to Arctic research. This will include compiling a report on consultation practices (e.g., federal Tribal and ANCSA corporation consultations ) across IARPC Federal Agencies and associated entities using consistent metrics, highlighting key processes, transparency measures, and community engagement and reporting expectations. The report will include agency-specific consultation practices, links, and a clear outline of how Alaska Native and local community input is collected and used.
• TCEP 1.3 Enhance IARPC’s Tribal Engagement Resources. This will include designing a strategy for leveraging the IARPC website as a centralized hub for Tribal consultation opportunities, reporting mechanisms, and accessible guidance for Tribes and Tribal entities. It will also include developing resources for Arctic researchers, including best practices and engagement guidelines that support long-term partnerships with Alaska Native Villages and ANCSA corporations.

TIA 1 Survey federally funded research technology.

• TIA 1.1 Strategically engage externally, across IARPC, and within the Technology Innovation and Application Collaboration Team.
• TIA 1.2 Use the Technology Innovation and Application Collaboration Team to support and coordinate technology-related conversations and activities throughout IARPC Collaborations.

Accomplishments