ESA Polar Science Cluster
Collocation Meeting 2026
In partnership with
Overview
The polar regions are experiencing rapid and dramatic changes. Often viewed as early indicators of global climate change, changes in the cryosphere have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, sea level, weather patterns, and human activities. Quantifying these changes and understanding their drivers and impacts remains a pressing scientific and societal challenge.
The ESA Polar Science Cluster collocation meeting brings together the polar and cryosphere research community to share progress, identify research priorities, strengthen collaboration and align scientific efforts. By fostering exchange, the meeting aims to advance the use of Earth Observation in cryospheric science, and enhance the integration of Earth Observation, in-situ measurements, modelling, and innovative methodologies to improve understanding of polar processes.
The event will take place in Innsbruck, Austria, from 15th to 17th September, with an excursion on 18th September (more information below).
Objectives
The overall objectives for this workshop are to:
Present the latest activities of ESA Polar Science Cluster projects
Highlight new and innovative opportunities for Earth Observation in cryospheric science
Identify scientific priorities, gaps and challenges to help define the next polar science research goals
Share the latest research and scientific results within polar science including the use of Earth Observation and synergies with modelling and in-situ activities.
Foster collaboration between ESA Polar Science Cluster Projects, EU Horizon European and other international initiatives (Antarctica InSync, IPY5, etc.)
Themes
All research related to polar science and the cryosphere is welcome. The focus of the meeting includes:
- Ice Sheets and ice shelves
- Sea Ice
- Glaciers
- Permafrost
- Ocean – Ice – Atmosphere interactions
- Ecology and biodiversity
- Methodological Advances in Earth Observation (new data products, future missions)
- Methodological Synergies (Earth Observation, In-situ, modelling, AI)
Abstract Submission
Abstracts related to any of the scientific themes listed above are welcome from the whole scientific community and from all career stages.
Abstracts will be
evaluated by the Scientific Committee based on their scientific content
and relevance to the themes of the meeting with priority for oral
presentations given to abstracts that demonstrate innovation beyond
state-of-the-art with regard to new results, methods and products.
Deadlines
| Abstract opening | 17 April |
| Registration opening | 4 May |
| Abstract closing | 22 May 23:59 CET |
| Notification of acceptance | 15 June |
| Registration closing | 21 August |
Venue
Villa Blanka
Event Center
Weiherburggasse 8, 6020
Innsbruck, Austria
HOW TO REACH:
- The Villa Blanka Event Centre is about a 10-minute bike ride or a 20–25 minute walk from the city centre
- From the “Marktplatz” bus stop, the journey takes approximately 7 minutes via the “W” bus route
- Alternatively, you can take the Hungerburgbahn from “Congress” station to “Alpenzoo”; from there, it is about a 9-minute walk
Social Trip
Natural Ice Palace at Hintertux Glacier (18th September)
Our excursion starts in Innsbruck at 9:00 in the morning with a bus ride of 90 km to Hintertux, travelling along Inntal, Zillertal and Tuxer Tal.
From Hintertux (at 1500 m elevation), we take the cable car “Gletscherbus” in three stages up to the top station, Gefrorene Wand, at 3250 m.
The ascent takes about 45 minutes.
From the panorama terrace at Gefrorene Wand, you can enjoy a 360‑degree view across the Zillertal Alps, the Großglockner, and, on clear days, as far as the Dolomites.
The impressive Olperer peak (3476 m) rises majestically in front of you.
From the mountain station, we walk down about 200 meters to the entrance of the Nature’s Ice Palace, a natural glacier ice cave inside the Gefrorene Wand Glacier, which we will visit.
Inside, we will see ice coves, frozen waterfalls, glacial formations, and an underground glacier lake.
In the late afternoon, we descend by cable car and continue by bus to Mayrhofen, a center of tourism and commerce in the main section of the Zillertal.
Here, we will have dinner in a traditional Tyrolean restaurant before returning to Innsbruck, with arrival expected between 22:30 and 23:00.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Early registration is strongly recommended.
Preliminary Schedule
Important Information
Equipment: Warm mountain clothing, headpiece, gloves, waterproof shoes with good grip, sunglasses, sun cream, and a small backpack (with snacks and drinks for refreshment during the day).Register now to secure your place.