This week, MBARI President and CEO Antje Boetius participated in the Arctic Circle Rome Forum – Polar Dialogue: From Glaciers to Seas. A global leader in polar and deep-sea science, Boetius took part in a panel discussion about research activities for the upcoming Fifth International Polar Year.

Boetius shared progress with Antarctica InSync, an integrated science program for synchronous observation of life across Antarctica and the Southern Ocean that addresses key knowledge gaps and contributes to the goals of the UN Ocean Decade. Boetius coordinates the international steering board for this ambitious field program planned for 2027–2030.

Hosted by the Arctic Circle—a network of governments, organizations, businesses, universities, and Indigenous communities dedicated to international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic—the Rome Forum was organized in association with Italy’s Ministry of University and Research and the National Research Council of Italy, with support from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 

The Arctic Circle’s Polar Dialogues bring global experts and policymakers together to address scientific challenges and foster collaboration on the three critical ice-dominated environments: the Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayas. 

Boetius previously served as co-chair of the Arctic Circle’s 2024–2025 Polar Dialogue series.

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