ASSW2015 was held in Toyama, Japan

 The ASSW (Arctic Science Summit Week) 2015 was successfully held from April 23 to 30, 2015 at the Toyama International Conference Center in Toyama, Japan with a total of 708 participants from 26 countries and region , under the auspices of IASC (International Arctic Science Committee) and co-organized by the Science Council of Japan. The ASSW is the largest annual Arctic Science Meeting in the world, and this was the first time it was held in Japan.

During the first 4 days, committee meetings of IASC and other Arctic organizations were held to discuss ongoing and new research projects, as well as the role of Arctic science in society, science priorities for the coming decade and new strategies to promote international cooperation. On April 26, a public lecture titled “Arctic came to Toyama!” was held and nearly 500 attendees including people from the near-by prefectures. IASC President Susan Barr, geophysicist Shun Akasofu and photographer Naoki Ishikawa delivered a talk, and afterwards specialists on snow and ice of Arctic and Toyama convened a panel discussion.

During the final 4 days, joint sessions of ICARPIII (International Conference on Arctic Research Planning) and ISAR-4 (International Symposium on Arctic Research) were held. The Honorary Chairperson of the ASSW2015, Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado attended the plenary session on the first day, and spoke of her hopes for Arctic research. Also, a message from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was presented. During the 26 scientific sessions, there were many presentations and much discussion about Arctic natural science as well as human and social science. At the end, the ASSW2015 Conference Statement, outlining the future direction of Arctic research was announced. The next ASSW will be held in March 2016 at Fairbanks, Alaska.

Local Organizing Committee of ASSW2015

Arctic Science Summit Week

The Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) is the annual gathering of the international organizations engaged in supporting and facilitating Arctic research. The purpose of the summit is to provide opportunities for coordination, collaboration and cooperation in all areas of Arctic science. The summit attracts scientists, students, policy makers and other professionals from all over the world.