The publication is available here.

For more than 125 years, scientists from around the world have on three occasions focused their attention on polar research and exploratory programs in an effort to gain a better understanding of geophysical phenomena and the important influence of polar systems. Each "International Polar Year" (IPY) increases our overall knowledge of arctic and Antarctic flora, fauna, and ecosystems; methods and techniques of polar research; cultural history; and the poles as platforms for astrophysical observations.

"Smithsonian at the Poles" - a symposium sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution's Office of the Under Secretary for Science with major support from the National Science Foundation - was convened to celebrate the fourth IPY. The proceedings, "Smithsonian at the Poles: Contributions to International Polar Year Science," highlights contributions to polar research in IPY history, astrophysics, biology,
and cultural studies that have resulted from Smithsonian research as well as collaboration with various other organizations.

The symposium committee members included: Igor Krupnik, Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History; Michael A. Lang, Office of the Under Secretary for Science, Smithsonian Institution; Scott Miller, Office of the Under Secretary for Science, Smithsonian Institution; Antony Stark, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory; William Fitzhugh, Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History; Rafael Lemaitre, Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History; and Patrick Neale, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

For further information, please visit the website of the Smithsonian Institution.

Or contact:
Michael A. Lang
Phone: 202-633-6887