tion of an annual IASC Bulletin, which has been very
During my time as Vice-President (2002-2006), I
well received. Finally, IASC negotiated an agreement
worked closely with one of IASC’s Presidents, Pat
with AOSB to become an IASC WG on Marine Sci-
Webber. He was an extremely good mentor and
ence and it has established an IASC secretariat for
many things he taught me I practiced later in my
IASC Working Groups in the USA.
position as IASC President. As already stated, I was
a member of the Executive Committee from 2002
I have not only been fortunate to take part in this
to 2010, first as a Vice-President and then as IASC
transitional period, I have also been extremely privi-
President. During this period I had the privilege to
leged to work with many colleagues that have con-
work with great and dedicated minds such as Byong
tributed extensively to the successful development
Kwon Park, David Hik, Dieter Fütterer, Jackie Greb-
of IASC. It would fill three to four pages to name
meier, Louwrens Hacquebord, and Peter Johnson. I
them all, but I feel obliged to mention some. Orga-
can never thank them enough for all the wonderful
nizations like IASC will never survive without an ef-
time we had together and all their support and con-
fective secretariat, and a competent and dedicated
tributions during my presidency. I also would like to
secretary plays a vital role. Since its establishment,
thank the IASC Council as a whole for all their sup-
IASC has been extremely fortunate in having two
port and contributions, especially during the contro-
secretaries, Odd Rogne and Volker Rachold, both
versial transitional period 2006-2010. Lastly but
whom have played a vital and significant role. I
not least, I would like to recognize my fellow country
worked closely with both of them for several years,
man, Niels Einarsson, who through all my IASC years
and their contribution to the development and
supported me not only professionally, but mentally
success of IASC will never be recognized enough.
as well.
Central Arctic: Scientists sampling a melt pond with RV Polarstern in the background
Photo: Mar Fernández-Méndez
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03 Contributions of Former IASC Presidents