International Polar Foundation IPF
Budget
€4,016,748
EP Access
0
accredited persons
Staff
6
1.15 FTE
EU Grants
None
Mission & Goals
Founded in 2002 by Belgian polar explorer Alain Hubert, Prof. Hugo Decleir and Prof. André Berger, the International Polar Foundation (IPF) provides a novel interface between science and society. It is recognised by Belgian Royal Statute as a foundation for the public good. HM King Philippe is IPF's honorary president. IPF seeks to bring about a keener appreciation of the role of science, particularly research in the polar regions, through a re-examination of the planet’s interconnections, its fragility, the impact of human actions on the environment, and the evolution of millennial climate cycles. IPF has initiated several high-profile projects, including supporting polar science through the creation and operation of the world’s first zero-emission polar research station, the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica, logistical support of scientists working in Antarctica, an annual conference on Arctic issues in Brussels, and educational activities and resources.
EU Legislative Interests
Specific EU policies, acts, etc.: EU Arctic Policy European Green Deal Critical Raw Materials Act Net Zero Industry Act Nature Restoration Law Energy Efficiency Directive EU Polar Cluster
Communication Activities
Communication activities: Arctic Futures Symposium Various education and outreach activities Antarctic conference TBC
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
University of the Arctic (U Arctic): https://www.uarctic.org/ Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) https://www.arcus.org/
Organisation Members
http://www.polarfoundation.org/support/corporate
Additional Information
The financial year ending on June 30, 2025 marked, for the first time, a 12-month period aligned for both the International Polar Foundation (IPF) and BELARE asbl, following harmonization of accounting periods. The BELARE 2024–25 campaign was once again a success despite logistical challenges. It featured major scientific field projects such as ULTIMO and FROID, each involving four researchers for over four weeks in remote locations, supported by IPF field guides. Their research focused on snow, ice, and cosmic origins. In total, 16 scientific projects were conducted, eight funded by Belgian Science Policy (BELSPO) and eight by foreign teams or private organizations, covering fields like atmospheric science, climatology, paleoclimatology, glaciology, microbiology, cosmochemistry, and meteorite studies. Significant investments continued at the Perseus site, where a new intercontinental airport is being built to operate entirely on renewable energy, in line with the environmental approach of Princess Elisabeth Station. IPF is also advancing the Andromeda project, aiming to establish a zero-emission international research station in Antarctica. It will host the first Antarctic university, R&D infrastructure, and a satellite ground station—part of a strategy to attract top researchers and ensure geopolitical independence. In the Arctic, the annual Arctic Futures Symposium continues to grow, with the 2024 edition gathering nearly 200 participants to discuss geopolitics, security, workforce development, critical raw materials, youth, innovation, and community well-being. A record number of side events enriched Brussels with cultural programming, including the Arctic Shorts evening. Throughout 2024–25, IPF strengthened its mission to connect science, education, and the public, reaching thousands across Belgium, Europe, and beyond through schools, festivals, exhibitions, talks, film screenings, and online platforms.
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.