6 February 2009: A series of events marking the end of the International Polar Year (IPY) will take place on 24-25 February 2009, in Geneva, Switzerland. The IPY is a large scientific programme organized through the International Council for Science and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and focused on the Arctic and the Antarctic, from March 2007 to March 2009.

Over this period, thousands of scientists from over 60 countries have carried out over 160 research and outreach projects. Preliminary findings have been compiled in a report “State of Polar Research,” which will be released at a ceremony at WMO headquarters on 25 February 2009.
Every day throughout February, in the lead-up to this event, major IPY research projects are releasing information for the media. A wide range of projects will be profiled reflecting the diversity of the IPY. Examples include studies of Arctic community adaptation to climate, vast changes in permafrost, extensive marine biodiversity surveys in both Polar Regions, exploration of Antarctic sub-glacial lakes, Antarctic research in search of insight into life on Mars, and the establishment of a network of young polar researchers. [WMO Press Release] [IPY February Events]