This award supports US-participation in The 2nd SCAR Open Science Conference to be held in Hobart, Australia in July 2006. The SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) Conference is an international meeting covering all aspects of current Antarctic research. Its focus will be the close couplings between Antarctic processes and the Earth System. Recent results and opportunities for future cooperation will be highlighted, which is timely for developing projects for the forthcoming International Polar Year 2007-2009. In terms of broader impacts, this workshop will promote international collaboration, broaden the perspective of U.S. scientists, and provide an opportunity for the next generation of scientists to interact with leaders in the field. This award will also provide support for applicants from underrepresented groups, as well as early career scientists and students. Outcomes will have societal relevance in understanding global climate change, and the opening days of the SCAR Symposium will bring the meeting to the attention of the media and general public.