INTERACT at Arctic PASSION Symposium and General Assembly in Potsdam, Germany
With a little less than three months remaining in the project, Arctic PASSION held its final General Assembly on 1–2 October 2025 in Potsdam, Germany. Preceding this meeting, an open Arctic PASSION Symposium took place, featuring scientific talks, poster presentations, panel discussions, and expo sessions. The following themes were on the agenda:
Arctic Observations and Arctic Knowledge
Bringing the Arctic Data System to Action
Societal Needs, Benefits and Wellbeing
Coordination and Governance of an Arctic Observing System
Pan-Arctic Observing for the Next Decade
Dr Caroline Coch, Senior Project Manager for INTERACT, attended both events and represented INTERACT. INTERACT is involved in Arctic PASSION in work package 1, improving the terrestrial monitoring in the Arctic. Ten stations of the network are taking part in the effort and have obtained and installed new equipment in accordance with the priority parameters previously defined. Caro presented the recent progress in the poster presentation during the symposium, and gave a presentation during the GA. She was also invited to speak at a panel for early career scientists highlighting career pathways outside academia.
It was a very successful event, full of insightful discussions and reflections. The community clearly recognises the importance of internationally coordinated networks such as INTERACT, and there was much debate on the challenges posed by the fact that long-term infrastructure funding is often determined at the national level.
