Global climate conference strengthens Wellington’s research connections

The Climate and Cryosphere (CliC) Open Science Conference 2026 brought together leading scientists, early career researchers, and Indigenous knowledge holders to explore how Earth’s frozen regions are changing and what can be done to address the impacts of climate change. 

CliC welcomed more than 420 delegates from 37 countries to Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre from 9 to 12 February 2026. The programme included plenary sessions, panel discussions, and targeted workshops. 

Hosted by the Antarctic Research Centre at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington, the conference bid was led by Professor Tim Naish, director of the Antarctic Research Centre, and Lauren Vargo, research fellow in glaciology, with support from Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events. 

Climate and Cryosphere is a core project of the World Climate Research Programme. Wellington’s internationally recognised expertise in Antarctic and climate change research helped attract the event. Te Herenga Waka is home to both the Antarctic Research Centre and the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute.

The conference was opened by New Zealand’s Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Shane Reti, who announced a new Antarctic research partnership with the United Arab Emirates. 

Tim says the conference provided valuable opportunities to strengthen international relationships and develop future research projects. 

“I think the conference helped in leveraging those sorts of collaborations,” he says. 

“There were many discussions across the board between different countries and their scientists about things we can do together. Those are the really valuable parts of the conference, not just sharing the latest science, but putting together schemes to do more science and get more funding.” 

A strong contingent of early career researchers attended the conference. Dedicated social events, mentoring sessions, and a symposium helped emerging researchers build networks and connect with leaders in the field. 

“The field’s moving so fast, it’s so technical, we always need the next generation coming through,” says Tim. 

“You can only do so much when you’re building relationships as a young researcher online. Having an opportunity to meet is super important. 

“What was apparent is there’s a really vibrant community of early career researchers, and they do have hope, and they really do want to contribute. That’s uplifting.”

A key theme throughout the conference was the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and lived experience alongside scientific research. 

Delegates heard from First Nations representatives from Arctic communities in Alaska and Canada, as well as speakers from Nepal and the Himalayas, where communities are already experiencing the effects of climate change. 

“We had First Nations people from the Arctic, from Alaska and Canada, Nepal and the Himalaya, where the communities are being impacted by climate change,” says Tim. 

“It’s good for the scientists to see why their science matters.” 

Māori perspectives were woven throughout the programme, beginning with a mihi whakatau and continuing through panel discussions, cultural performances, and collaborative presentations. 

“Through the whole conference, from the mihi whakatau welcome to a kapa haka performance at the gala dinner, everyone got a good dose of not only the traditional cultural elements that you get when you come to New Zealand, but also a bit deeper,” says Tim. 

“There were some really effective panel discussions sharing different points of view, many aligning. It was nice to see our Māori partners and collaborators front and centre in the meeting.”

Tim says delegates responded positively to Wellington’s compact city centre and the ease of moving between the venue, accommodation, restaurants, and attractions. 

“Tākina was a wonderful venue, and they just liked the whole vibe and being able to go out and get food and get to your hotel easily,” he says. 

The conference concluded with a fully subscribed South Island field trip exploring glaciology and glacial geomorphology in the Southern Alps. Participants visited Takapō, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, and Lake Ōhau, while also experiencing scenic flights and dark sky activities. 

“For most it was just to get a bit of flavour of New Zealand’s wilderness outdoors,” says Tim.
“There were a lot of comments on how amazingly untouched everything was, and many went on to Queenstown to continue their adventures. 

“It was also amazing for them to see how much climate change has impacted New Zealand’s glaciers — and we’re seeing that change all around the world.”