Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Changing Trends in Polar Research as Reflected in the History of the International Polar Years  (Hist IPY)

Outline
The aim of this project is to study to what degree was research in the Arctic and Antarctic during the polar years primarily driven by scientific criteria? To what extent were compromises made in the light of political barriers and logistical limitations? Employing historical perspectives we will review essential background factors at work in the three distinct periods (both scientific and non-scientific) when nations chose to participate in the IPYs. In addition, we will consider the substantial factors that led certain major nations to choose not to contribute to the Polar Years (Great Britain 1882/83, Germany 1932/33, 1957/58, etc). Traditionally, field science practiced in remote geographical regions was either a by-product of exploration or an activity exploited by territorial claimants. The early attempts to establish an international polar organization will be seen as a backdrop to the later success in creating the Scientific Committee on Arctic Research (SCAR). Pertinent in this respect are the different roles played by non-governmental organizations as distinct from intergovernmental organizations or modes of international organization. Factors that enabled (or contrained or hindered) the institutionalisation of polar research more broadly under the auspices of the polar years will be studied also with an eye to drawing lessons for the future. The political role of the Antarctic treaty and the role of science in it is of course an important question in this context, as Antarctica at the political level became constructed as a continent by and for science (and peace). Such a study would not be complete without examining the impact of the Cold War on the IGY. Recent historical work has indicated that the IGY was simultaneously a crucial instance of international scientific co-operation at the height of political tensions between the Eastern and Western Blocs, but also an activity tightly integrated into the national security aims of major participant-states, including the United States and the Soviet Union. How Cold War tensions affected the practice of science during the IGY, and what lessons contemporary science planners and policy-makers can gain from a better understanding of the IGY’s achievements and disappointments, are important anticipated outcomes from this project.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The analysis of the past three international polar years unveils the requirement that projects be driven by scientific research instead of exploration. This principle was clearly reiterated when efforts were afoot to establish an international polar commission in 1906. In practice it turned out that political expediency often was stronger than the ideal of science-driven expeditions and criteria for siting stations. Logistical limitations and physical hazards also played a role in setting agendas for exploration and research. Moreover, in the Arctic regions, territorial borders of circumpolar countries have always been an important factor in siting scientific endeavours.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
International Commission on History of Meteorology (IUHPS/DHS), International Commission on the History of Geological Sciences (IUHPS/DHS), Commission “Science and Empire” (IUHPS/DHS), (all belonging to the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science / Division of History of Science), Committee on Logic, Methodology and Philosophy of Science, German Polar Society. q2_1_Location : Only archival work, no fieldwork.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Only archival work, no fieldwork.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Only travel support to participate at workshops and conferences required.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The first international and multi-discipline group and network will be established, to investigate the history of the polar regions on the northern and southern hemisphere in respect to polar problems and the results achieved, the background factors and cultural as well as political impact.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
National agency
Own support
Other sources of support

We are trying to raise travel funds for our conferences.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Endorsement is applied at the German IPY Commission. The project has been endorsed, the History of Geophysics Committee of the American Geophysical Union, the History of Earth Sciences Society and the group of History of Geology of Geological Society of America and also by the international commissions (see 1.7)

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New
Until now, there has been no international and multi-discipline group devoted to the history of polar research. On the occasion of the fourth International Polar Year (2007-08) such a group shall be established.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Our activities will be focussed on workshops and conferences starting at Hamburg in 2007, where we will define special working areas, present our results, and plan broader public outreach activities and further publications.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Exposure to the history of polar research is a way for non-scientists to gain appreciation of, and possibly literacy in science. We plan to target select publications and lectured toward liberal arts students and non-technical audiences. Papers and posters presented at appropriate international scientific and historical conferences shall be published.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
If relevant unpublished meteorological data are reveiled during our archival work, they will be made available for the ICSU World Data Centre.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
National travel funds to participate in workshops and conferences. National funds (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) to support Cornelia Lüdecke’s work for the German part of the project (BAT IIa for two years).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
TThe analysis of the history of the International Polar Years in political and socio- cultural context is still a desideratum. The coming 4th International Polar Year gives a very good opportunity to do this on an international scale. The results will be of public interest.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Cornelia Lüdecke
Centre for the History of Science
Valleystrasse 40
Munich
81371
Germany

Tel: + 49 (89) 725 6 725
Mobile:
Fax: + 49 (89) 725 6 725
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information