Date

International Polar Year 2007-2008 Opening Ceremony
Thursday, 1 March 2007
Palais de la Decouverte
Paris, France

For further information, please go to:
http://www.ipy.org/index.php?/ipy/detail/launch/

or contact:
Mark Oliver
E-mail: moliver [at] wmo.int


The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 Opening Ceremony will be
held at the Palais de la Decouverte in Paris, France on Thursday, 1
March 2007, at 11:00 a.m. Central European Time. The ceremony will be
followed by a press conference and buffet lunch.

The launch of IPY 2007-2008 marks the onset of one of the most
ambitious, coordinated, international science programs 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 planet. Sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and
International Council for Science (ICSU), the IPY campaign also aims to
educate and involve the public while helping train the next generation
of engineers, scientists, and leaders.

Speakers at the Opening Ceremony include:
- Thomas Rosswall, ICSU
- Michel Jarraud, WMO
- David Carlson, IPY Programme Office
- Ian Allison. IPY Joint Committee
- Michel Beland, IPY Joint Committee

In addition to the main presenters, key scientists from across the world
who are leading IPY projects will attend the Opening Ceremony.

Many national IPY launch events are also taking place on and around 1
March 2007. For a full listing, please go to:
http://www.ipy.org/index.php?/ipy/detail/launch/