Attached is FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR PAPERS for Polartech '98 to
be held in Nuuk, Greenland, June 1998
POLARTECH 98
International Conference on Development and Commercial Utilisation of
Technologies in Polar Regions.
FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR PAPERS TECHNOLOGY, RESOURCES AND LIVING
CONDITIONS IN THE ARCTIC NUUK, GREENLAND, 8 - 14 JUNE 1998
Organised by the Greenland Branch of POLARTECH
INTRODUCTION
Shortly after POLARTECH '96 was held in St. Petersburg, Russia, the
Greenland Branch of POLARTECH was awarded the task of staging POLARTECH
'98 in Greenland. The Greenland Branch of POLARTECH is pleased to
announce that POLARTECH 98 will be held in Greenland in June 1998. The
objective of the conference is to bring together international
specialists and professionals to provide a forum for the exchange of
experiences and ideas related to the interplay between technology,
resources, and living conditions in the Arctic regions. The conference
and its papers will concentrate on how technology and the exploitation
and consumption of resources may help ensure and develop living
conditions in the Arctic regions.
VENUE
POLARTECH '98 will be held during the period of time from 8-14 June,
1998. The conference will be hosted in the newly inaugurated and prize
winning culture centre, KATUAQ, located in Nuuk, the capital of
Greenland. Nuuk is housing a number of educational and research
institutions as well as the government of Greenland.
CONFERENCE THEMES
Under the main theme Technology, Resources and Living Conditions in The
Arctic, POLARTECH 98 will concentrate on two sub-themes set out in more
detail below:
Theme 1 - Supply and Consumption in The Arctic
Within the framework of the theme, the conference examines the
interaction between supply and consumption, e.g., within electricity,
oil, and water, and within the areas of consumer goods and building
materials as well. New commercial possibilities and technology which
may lead to increased self-sufficiency or exports are also included.
The development of consumption is usually related to the development of
living conditions and the accompanying economic development. Supply is
to a greater extent determined by technology. Similarly, the resource
base may be of crucial importance.
Theme 2 - Transport and Communication in The Arctic
The infrastructures of transport and communication are vital links
between the Arctic societies locally, nationally, and internationally.
Arctic societies are characterised by a low population density
distributed over the vast land masses. Advanced technology offers the
possibility of overcoming some of these difficulties thereby creating
an improved commercial environment and better living conditions of the
Arctic people.
The conference examines the recent advances in technology on land, at
sea, and in the air. The potential of new telecommunications techniques
- the introduction of information technology, in particular - are
assessed.
CALL FOR PAPERS
Participants intending to present a paper or poster relating to one of
the themes are invited to submit a typed abstract, in English, of not
more than 300 words stating the proposed title and outlining the scope
and conclusions of the proposed paper. The abstract has to be received
by the Local Organising Committee by 15 September 1997.
Authors will be notified of acceptance by 15 November 1997
Complete papers should be submitted not later than 1 March 1998.
TRADE EXHIBITION
A trade exhibition will be arranged in the foyer of KATUAQ, immediately
outside the big hall where the papers are presented and close to the
caf• in the foyer.
LANGUAGE
The official language of the conference will be English. Translation
intothe Greenland language will be provided.
CONFERENCE FEE
The conference fee of approximately US$500 per person will cover a copy
of the proceedings, refreshments during meeting hours, social events and
a full day excursion. The fee will not cover hotel expenses, meals,
accompanying persons programme, and the post-conference tour.
Individual travel and accommodation expenses will be in the order of
US$2,600. However, The Local Organising Committee will make arrangements
for a party tour offering significant reductions in travel and
accommodation expenses.
TENTATIVE TIME SCHEDULE
08 June Arrival, registration and reception
09 June Conference - Day 1
10 June Conference - Day 2
11 June Excursion by ship to Buksefjorden Hydro Power Plant
12 June Conference - Day 3 - Banquet
13 June Day off.
14 June Conference - Day 4
15 June Departure from Nuuk
OPTIONAL POST CONFERENCE TOUR
Depending on the interest expressed by participants, there will be a
post-conference tour to Ilulissat at 15 - 19 June 1998, which among
other things is known for the fastest moving glacier in the world. The
post conference tour will comprise a full day seminar and opportunities
to explore the Greenlandic way of life and the breath taking nature.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Nuuk Airport has during the conference period daily domestic connections
to Kangerlussuaq (Sondre Stromfjord) with connections to Copenhagen,
Iqaluit (Canada) and Keflavik (Iceland).
TIME ZONE
Nuuk time is GMT -3 hours.
RESPONSE FORM
In order to receive further information or to propose a paper or poster,
please contact The Local Organizing Committee no later than 1 September
1997 (address provided below).
POLARTECH '98
Local Organising Committee Box 1003 3900 Nuuk Greenland Phone: (+299)
21045 Fax : (+299) 24501) e-mail: hoyergreennet.gl
Nuuk/September 15, 1997