The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is pleased to share an exciting update from the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). The international Antarctic research community is preparing to gather for one of the most anticipated events in polar science: the 12th SCAR Open Science Conference, taking place 8–19 August 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Hosted by SCAR in partnership with the Norwegian Polar Institute, the conference will be held at the centrally located Clarion Hotel – The Hub, bringing together researchers, students, policy makers, and partners from across the globe under the theme:

SCAR2026: “Diving into Antarctic Science – Making Waves for the Future”

Call for Abstracts — Deadline 28 February 2026 (23:59 UTC) – In the spirit of collaboration and scientific discovery, SCAR has officially opened the call for abstracts for the 2026 conference. Researchers are encouraged to submit abstracts by 28 February 2026 at 23:59 UTC. This is a valuable opportunity for the SANAP community to showcase cutting-edge Antarctic research and engage with colleagues working across a range of disciplines.

SUBMIT ABSTRACT

A Diverse and Dynamic Scientific Programme: The 2026 parallel session programme features 50 sessions spanning;  Physical Sciences, Geosciences, Life Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences and Cross-disciplinary themes. With this breadth of topics, the programme promises to highlight both disciplinary excellence and interdisciplinary innovation.

Explore the full session list here 

First Circular Now Available. It provides important details, including Key conference dates, Conference structure, Travel guidance for visiting Oslo and Norway, Venue information, Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities. 📄 Download the First Circular.

Stay Informed. Visit scar2026.org for: Full programme details, Organising committee information, Partners, Sponsors, Travel and practical information. The website will be continuously updated as planning progresses.

Important Dates to Bookmark

SANAP encourages all South African polar researchers — established and emerging — to participate actively in SCAR2026. Let’s ensure that South Africa continues to make meaningful contributions to global Antarctic science and collaboration.

We look forward to seeing many SANAP scientists represented in Oslo!