From concept to action: driving impact through responsible research practices in the International Polar Year 2032–2033. An early career perspective

Regions at the poles are warming at rates two to four times higher than the global average, driving profound environmental, societal, and geopolitical changes. As Polar Early Career Researchers with careers extending into and beyond the 5th International Polar Year in 2032–2033, we have a responsibility to shape research practices that are impactful, ethical, and sustainable. We argue that current definitions of research impact often prioritize narrow, quantifiable metrics, overlooking cultural, environmental, and long-term consequences. Building on interdisciplinary workshops held in 2025 at the Polar Early Career World Summit (USA) and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UK), this paper redefines research impact for polar science and presents tangible action for integrating responsible practices ahead of the next IPY. We outline priorities across three levels: 1) individual researchers, who should practice reflexivity, promote interdisciplinarity, and implement environmentally responsible methods; 2) regional and national institutions, which must provide equitable funding, training, and inclusive protocols; 3) international IPY planning bodies, which should strengthen communication, publish guidelines, and implement regulations to prevent exploitative practices. Our call to action emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and improved impact evaluation frameworks to ensure that polar research delivers societal and environmental benefits while minimizing unintended consequences. This vision begins now and extends beyond the IPY, offering a roadmap for responsible polar science.