About Us

The Polar Research Board (PRB) is a unit of the National Academies and has a long history of distinguished service to the polar community. First established in 1958, the PRB exists to promote excellence in polar science and to provide independent scientific guidance to federal agencies and the nation on science issues in the Arctic, the Antarctic, and cold regions in general. The PRB strives to:

• make research in the polar regions more productive and responsive to the needs of the United States,
• maintain U.S. awareness of and representation in international science programs, and
• enhance understanding of issues in polar regions.

The PRB program has two elements: a core element and a study element. Under its core element, the PRB serves as a source of information and assistance to federal agencies, Congress, and others in the polar community. The PRB is unique in its coverage of both Arctic and Antarctic science, and attempts to foster improved coordination between research at both poles. Also under its core element, the PRB serves as the U.S. National Committee for the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) of International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), and thus it ensures that the U.S. polar research community participates in critical planning activities and encourages international cooperation. It is also the U.S. National Committee for the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC). Although nongovernmental in nature, both SCAR and IASC have important international advisory roles to ministerial level organizations and meetings. SCAR provides advice to and participates actively in meetings of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties. IASC attends meetings of the Arctic Environmental Ministers, Senior Arctic Affairs Officials, and new Arctic Council.

Core support for the PRB's activities comes from the:
National Science Foundation (NSF),
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Under its study element, the PRB conducts the main business of the National Research Council: the creation and management of committees of volunteer experts charged to provide carefully considered written reports on critical scientific issues to requesting federal agencies. The Board conducts focused studies in all relevant polar science disciplines, technology, and resource management, often working jointly with other units of The Academies. PRB reports are designed to provide clear, objective analysis to decisionmakers. The committee process allows the expertise of the nation's best scientists to be brought to bear on important science and science policy issues. Financial support for studies is provided by those requesting the study, typically federal or state agencies or private foundations.