The first International Antarctic Institute (IAI) Council Meeting since the Ocean University of China (OUC) rotated the IAI Secretariat was successfully held in Oslo, Norway, on August 16, 2026. Convened as a business meeting during the Open Science Conference of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), the event brought together over 20 representatives from 6 member institutions, 2 associate member institutions, and other leading universities and research organizations. Notably, the meeting was honored by the presence of SCAR President Gary Wilson, Vice President Takuji Nakamura, and Vice President Marcelo Leppe.
Chaired by IAI Secretariat Director Jiuxin Shi, the meeting was divided into an open session and a closed session. During the open session, Director Shi provided a brief overview of IAI’s history and current status, and then delivered a comprehensive report on the newly formed Secretariat’s recent initiatives. Subsequently, Daniela Liggett introduced a proposal for a SCAR Action Group: Antarctic Academic Coordination Network (AACN) and answered questions from the audience. This was followed by a broad and active discussion among attendees regarding IAI’s historical experience and future development pathways. In the closed session, representatives from member institutions focused on internal governance and capacity building. Participants shared valuable insights and proposed improvements across several key areas, including clarifying membership application criteria, updating course information and improving the curriculum system, refining governance regulations, and adopting diverse formats to promote faculty and student exchanges. All parties reached a consensus to further strengthen communication and collaboration to gradually optimize IAI’s management and operations, ensuring the organization's healthy and sustainable development.
This council meeting not only enhanced mutual understanding and trust among IAI members but also charted a clear strategic direction for the Institute's future. Moving forward, IAI will continue to uphold the principles of inclusivity, equity, diversity, and shared benefits, working hand in hand with global partners to contribute to Antarctic scientific research and talent development.
