The COP30 Cryosphere Pavilion will take place in the accredited Blue Zone in Belém, Brazil, from November 10-21, 2025. ICCI will coordinate more than sixty side events, together with a number of partners from governments, IGOs, academic institutions, and civil society throughout both weeks of the conference.

The first Cryosphere Pavilion took place at COP25 and hosted five Early Career Scientist (ECS) volunteers, all doctoral and post-doctoral level. This number grew to eight for COP26 (Glasgow), COP27 (Sharm El Sheikh), and COP28 (Dubai), and COP29 (Baku), with four volunteers participating during Week 1 and the other four during Week 2.

These volunteers staff the Pavilion, introduce speakers, and answer questions about the exhibits to make the science more accessible to a wide range of audiences. Importantly, the experience also gives the volunteers an inside view of UNFCCC negotiations to further inform their scientific careers. The COP30 Cryosphere Pavilion will continue this program and provide both housing and travel to a new set of eight early career scientists. We also want to note that housing accommodations in Belém are quite limited, so we encourage ECS applicants to have an open and adventurous mindset, since Cryosphere Pavilion staff and volunteers might end up staying in campsites or ship cabins, depending on the availability of hotels, houses, and hostels. More details will be shared as they are confirmed.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Imdieke (amy@iccinet.org). Additional information about the goals and background of the Cryosphere Pavilion can be found on our official COP30 Cryosphere Pavilion webpage.

To apply, please fill out the form below and send your CV to Amy Imdieke at amy@iccinet.org with the email subject line: “COP30 Cryosphere Pavilion: Early Career Scientist Volunteer Application”.

Apply as an early career scientist volunteer

The application period is open from August 1-31, 2025. All applications will be evaluated (including interviews) and finalists accepted on a rolling basis throughout August until all slots are filled; so early application is strongly encouraged! Interviews will be completed by September 5. All successful applicants will be notified no later than September 19, with reserve applicants notified by September 26.

This page will be updated periodically throughout the application period, so check back here for the latest information.

What is accreditation?

In order to attend COP30 and enter into the “Blue Zone” where negotiations take place, ECS volunteers need to have an official UNFCCC badge. These badges provide accreditation. The UNFCCC grants each country and various participating organizations with a limited number of badges to regulate the number of people who are allowed into the conference and pavilion area. ICCI will be able to provide badges to ECS volunteers who do not already have access to one through their own institution (for example, some universities or research institutions are able to provide them).

What expenses will be covered?

We provide both travel (flights, trains, and other transportation) and housing accommodations for ECS volunteers. Meals and related expenses must be covered out of pocket.

If you have any questions, please reach out to: