Arctic Science Summit Week 2023 was not to be missed. HIAOOS joined two special sessions: European Coordination of Polar Research session on February 18^th and EU Polar Cluster Communications Meeting, 21^st.

The EU is a major contributor to Polar research that seeks to better understand the challenges the high North is facing in a rapidly changing environment. As part of this contribution, the EU established the EU Arctic Cluster, and was renamed the EU Polar Cluster with addition of Antarctic Projects in 2019. The Cluster is a growing network of EU-funded Polar research projects and organisations. Its work highlights excellent examples for improved cooperation and synergistic work of EU projects. The Cluster merges a broad spectrum of research and coordination activities and contributes with European-generated knowledge to both regional and global decision making.

European Coordination of Polar Research event, 18^th February, aimed to promote cooperation among the participating projects of the EU Polar Cluster, providing an opportunity for projects find synergies, and avenues of future collaboration. The event also aimed to provide strategic advice for new developments in Polar research funding, by identifying remaining knowledge gaps and emerging potential for the region. HIAOOS provided a pitch during the session, successfully bringing attention to one of the newer projects in the Polar Cluster.

EU Polar Cluster Communications Meeting, 21^st February, was dedicated to the communications specialists from each of the participating projects, who came together to share experiences and best practices on how to promote, coordinate and advance European research. The discussion also highlighted the new Catalyst platform, which is a platform designed to encourage research collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and experiences within the European Polar Research community. The HIAOOS team introduced the project. HIAOOS will continue to cooperate and build synergies with the Polar Cluster over the coming years.