A Media Advisory was today issued by the International Council for Science (ICSU) and World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) announcing the Global Launch of the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008

A PDF of the media advisory is also available.

Place : Palais de la D'couverte, Paris, France, 1 March 2007
Programme: 11:00 am: Opening ceremony; 11:30 Press conference; 12:00 Buffet lunch

Speakers:
Prof Thomas Rosswall, Executive Director, International Council for Science (ICSU)
Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Dr David Carlson, Director, IPY Programme Office
Dr Ian Allison, Co-chair, IPY Joint Committee
Dr Michel Beland, Co-chair, IPY Joint Committee

Official invitations to this event will be sent to the media on 13 February. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Frederica Kostadinoff if you wish to receive an invitation.

The launch of IPY 2007-2008 marks the onset of one of the most ambitious coordinated international science programmes ever attempted. Over 170 scientific projects involving thousands of scientists, from over 60 countries and a wide range of research disciplines, will set out to discover more about the polar regions and their critical influence on the rest of the planet. The IPY campaign also aims to educate and involve the public while helping to train the next generation of engineers, scientists, and leaders.

In addition to the main presenters, some of the key scientists, from across the world, who will be leading IPY projects will be present at the Opening Ceremony, providing a unique opportunity to interact directly.

IPY is co-sponsored by WMO and the International Council for Science (ICSU).

Many national IPY launch events will also be taking place at various venues, on and around 1 March. For a full listing see the launch page of this site.

For further information:
International press officers:
Mark Oliver. Tel: +41 (0)22 730 84 17, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Carine Richard-Van Maele. Tel: +41 (0)22 730 83 15. E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Frederica Kostadinoff. Tel: +33 (0)1 45 25 53 21, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
National press contacts
National and regional IPY committees