SO-CLIM at the SCAR Open Science Conference 2026

Enlarge

From 10–14 August 2026, Oslo became a meeting place for the international Antarctic research community at the 12th SCAR Open Science Conference, held under the theme “Diving into Antarctic Science – Making Waves for the Future.” With almost 1,500 scientists taking part, the conference brought together researchers from a wide range of disciplines to present new findings, exchange ideas and develop collaborations. The programme included plenary lectures, parallel scientific sessions, workshops and poster sessions.

The SO-CLIM group was represented by Inga Beck, Rowan Brown, Alexander Haumann, Nike Meredith Kreitmeyr, Krissy Reeve, Marlene Schramm and Theo Spira presenting their research.

Theo Spira and Alexander Haumann presented research on recent changes in the Southern Ocean, showing how increased upwelling of salty subsurface waters is linked to rising surface salinity and changes in ocean stratification. Krissy Reeve, together with Valentina Volkova (Alfred-Wegener Institute) and Alexander Haumann, demonstrated their work on the pathways and transformation of deep water in the Weddell Sea. Nike Meredith Kreitmeyr and Alexander Haumann explained their results about the relationship between marine heatwaves and Antarctic sea-ice variability, with a particular focus on the role of the Southern Annular Mode.

The conference provided an important platform for the group’s early-career researchers. Rowan Brown presented results from the first chapter of his PhD and received encouraging feedback from researchers working in the field. He also appreciated the opportunity to discuss his work with researchers from different institutions and disciplines.

Beyond the scientific programme, the conference offered many opportunities for broader collaboration. Antarctica InSync was strongly represented, connecting the conference to the emerging international coordination of Antarctic research. As part of new EU-Project SYNCHRONY, Inga Beck jointly organised a workshop with Eoghan Griffin (SCAR), bringing together discussions on coordinated Southern Ocean observations and the wider SCAR community.

For SO-CLIM, the conference was therefore not only an opportunity to present individual research, but also a chance to meet colleagues from across the international Antarctic community, exchange ideas and strengthen connections within the group and beyond. And, as Rowan put it, it was also a good opportunity for some valuable group time outside the scientific programme – in a city that proved well worth a return visit.