38th COMNAP AGM
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is COMNAP’s key event for improving collaboration, sharing best practices, and addressing challenges related to Antarctic research and logistics.
The 38th COMNAP AGM will be held between 4-6 August 2026 in Tromsø, Norway, welcoming representatives from all Member and Observer organisations.
6th Antarctic Search & Rescue Workshop
Every three years, COMNAP convenes the Antarctic Search & Rescue (SAR) Workshop. The 6th version of the SAR workshop will be held in conjunction with the 38th COMNAP AGM in Tromsø, Norway, on 6 and 7 August 2026.
COMNAP considers safety of human life of primary concern in all Antarctic activities. The Antarctic SAR Workshops are convened to support of the goal to improve SAR coordination and response in the Antarctic Treaty area.
About the organizer and the host
COMNAP
The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) is an international association, formed in 1988, which facilitates support to Antarctic operations amongst the governmental National Antarctic Programs. Its Membership is thirty-three country programs, representing almost 100% of the science and science support activity in Antarctica.
Norwegian Polar Institute
The Norwegian Polar Institute is the host of the 38th COMNAP AGM and the 6th Antarctic SAR Workshop and looks forward to welcoming all participants to Tromsø.
The Norwegian Polar Institute is a directorate under the Ministry of Climate and Environment that conducts scientific research, mapping and environmental monitoring in the Arctic and Antarctica. The Institute advices Norwegian authorities on polar matters and is Norway’s competent environmental authority for Antarctica. The Norwegian Polar Institute is Norway’s National Antarctic Program and Member of COMNAP.
Venue
The COMNAP AGM and the Antarctic Search & Rescue Workshop will be held in Tromsø, Norway. Details about the venue or venues are still under consideration. However, the Fram Centre, home to the Norwegian Polar Institute, will be central to the event. Keep an eye on this space for further information about the venue.
The Fram Centre
The FRAM – High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment (Fram Centre) is an umbrella organisation for more than 20 different institutions. Through collaboration the Fram Centre carries out interdisciplinary research important for the management of the northern areas. The Norwegian Polar Institute is a Fram Centre member.
Tromsø – The Gateway to the Arctic
Tromsø is a vibrant Arctic city surrounded by spectacular nature, located at 69 degrees north, 350 kilometers above the Arctic Circle.
Home to over 79,000 people, Tromsø is known for its rich cultural life, northern lights, and midnight sun.
Tromsø is the largest town in Arctic Norway, a communication hub, an administrative centre and historically also the point of departure for Polar expeditions, sealing and whaling vessels en route to the seasonal hunting grounds and for hunters and trappers embarking on an isolated winter in the Svalbard archipelago.
There are plenty of things to do in Tromsø all year round. Visit Tromsø is a good place to start your virtual planning for your stay!
