Antarctic biology, the International Polar Year, and beyond
As we draw towards the end of the massive effort that has been the International Polar Year (IPY), it is opportune to consider what impact it has had on Antarctic biological research and its research community. Have we seen or are we going to see major advances in any particular areas of science? Has the hoped-for international integration of research communities been advanced, including those of the ‘non-traditional’ or ‘less developed’ polar nations? Have the ‘global public’ become more engaged with the polar regions?