Report

The SCAR Open Science Conferences offer scientists from various disciplines and countries the opportunity to present their work, network and participate actively in SCAR’s scientific activities.

SCAR and the Norwegian Polar Institute warmly invite you to the 12th SCAR Open Science Conference, taking place in Oslo, Norway, from 8–19 August 2026.

Join colleagues from around the world for a rich and varied programme, from plenary lectures and mini-symposia to parallel sessions, panels, posters, and an inspiring social programme in and around Oslo.

The InSync working group on Surface Mass Balance (SMB) brings together researchers measuring and modelling SMB across a wide range of methods and scales, from ice and firn cores and stake networks to ground-based and airborne radar, satellite remote sensing, regional climate models and reanalyses. Our aim is to move from a picture of “who is doing what” toward coordinated community efforts: a shared overview of ongoing and planned measurements, common data practices, and joint observational and synthesis activities that make individual campaigns add up to more than the sum of their parts.

At OSC 2026, this workshop is a space for anyone who works on or is curious about Antarctic SMB to meet, share plans, and help shape these coordinated efforts. We will hear short updates from across the community and use breakout discussions to identify shared priorities for the coming field seasons. The session is open to all disciplines and career stages, with a hybrid option for remote participants, and will be followed by an informal social meet-up.