Join us to shape the future of AI sea ice prediction systems!
ORCAS (Observational Requirements in the Context of AI prediction systems for Sea ice), a SCOR Working Group and PCAPS Task Team, invites you to help identify what observations are needed to develop, validate and improve AI-based sea ice prediction systems for the Arctic and Antarctica.
What we’ll discuss
This online workshop brings together AI model developers and observational scientists to address key questions:
- How will the advent of AI change our approach to sea ice modelling and observations for polar predictions?
- What new observations from upcoming campaigns like InSync and IPY5 would be most valuable for AI systems?
- What barriers prevent better use of existing datasets?
- How can AI models better integrate observations across scales?
- How do we assess whether AI predictions are not only skillful but also physically realistic?
Through short presentations and facilitated discussions, we’ll identify practical steps to strengthen connections between observations and prediction systems.
Workshop Details
Two identical 2-hour sessions via Zoom (choose the time that works best for you):
- Session 1: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 13:00–15:00 UTC
- Session 2: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 03:00–05:00 UTC
Both sessions will be recorded for those unable to attend live.
Who Should Participate
Open to anyone interested in AI sea ice prediction and polar observations, including AI model developers, observational scientists, operational forecasters, campaign planners, and representatives from coordinating organisations (e.g., SOOS, SIPN, ASPeCt, CliC, APECS, PCAPS).
Early Career Researchers and participants from developing countries and emerging polar research programs are strongly encouraged to join.
Registration
Please register by Monday, February 9, 2026. To help us build connections across the community, all attendees will prepare a one-slide introduction using a template provided on the registration form to share their expertise and data interests. Unable to attend live? Register anyway to receive the session recording and outcome summary.
Register here: [Registration form]
Questions? Contact clare.eayrs@nyu.edu or lorenzo.zampiere@ecmwf.int