The COP31 Cryosphere Pavilion will take place in the accredited Blue Zone in Antalya, Türkiye from November 9-20, 2026. 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), COP28 (Dubai), COP29 (Baku), and COP30 (Belém), 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 COP31 Cryosphere Pavilion will continue this program and provide both housing and travel to a new set of eight early career scientists. ECS volunteers normally live together in apartment in shared accommodations, creating bonds that will last in their professional and academic careers.

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 the COP31 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: “COP31 Cryosphere Pavilion: Early Career Scientist Volunteer Application”.

Apply as an early career scientist volunteer

The application period is open from July 29 – August 31, 2026. 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 4. All successful applicants will be notified no later than September 18, with reserve applicants notified by September 25.

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

What expenses will be covered?

We strongly encourage ECS volunteers to apply for any available travel funding through their institution, but participation is not contingent on this and otherwise ICCI can provide both travel (flights, trains, and other transportation) and housing accommodations for ECS volunteers. Meals and related expenses must be covered out of pocket.

What is accreditation?

In order to attend COP31 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).

If you have any questions, please reach out to: