Tales from the Poles

Tales from the Poles is a collaborative storytelling project organized by APECS Netherlands and the UK Polar Network. Its aim is to bring together diverse voices connected to the Arctic and Antarctic, including scientists, Early Career Researchers (ECRs), community members, station staff, artists and anyone who has lived or worked in the polar regions. By creating a collection of personal stories, reflections and creative contributions, the project directly supports the APECS mandate to encourage interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, strengthen international collaboration and create opportunities for ECR development. The project offers an accessible and welcoming platform for ECRs to share their experiences in the polar regions. Storytelling in the form of memories, essays, poems, artwork or photographs allows ECRs to communicate their work and personal journeys in a way that is inclusive and easy to engage with. This contributes to APECS’ mission to improve science communication skills and increases the visibility of ECR perspectives within the broader polar community.

Tales from the Poles also promotes international networking. The collaboration between two national committees, APECS Netherlands and the UK Polar Network, ensures participation from multiple countries. The call for contributions reached individuals with experience from both the Arctic and Antarctic who represent many different disciplines, nationalities and backgrounds. This international scope encourages ECRs to connect with peers beyond their home institutions or countries and helps to widen their professional networks in a creative, low-barrier setting. In addition, the project fosters engagement that goes beyond traditional academic interactions. Through shared stories, contributors learn from one another’s fieldwork experiences, cultural encounters, challenges and reflections. This creates a sense of community and belonging among early career scientists, especially those who are new to the field or have limited opportunities to interact with others working in polar research. By producing both an e-book and a printed volume, the project will create a lasting resource that highlights the human dimension of polar work. It celebrates diversity within the polar community and inspires new and future ECRs to see themselves as part of that community.