Polar STEAM Summit

Join us at the Polar STEAM Summit!

Who: Anyone interested in the intersection of polar science, art, and education including educators, researchers, artists and writers, and other polar enthusiasts.
When: October 1-3, 2026
Where: Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts – PRAx at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon

Conference Description and Information:  

Step into a space where polar science and creativity converge.  

The Polar STEAM Summit brings together educators, researchers, artists, and polar enthusiasts to spark collaboration and share innovative tools and resources. Through interactive sessions, storytelling, and reflection on practice, we’ll deepen connections, expand art-science integration, and nurture curiosity. Together, we’ll strengthen our ability to creatively communicate science in meaningful and engaging ways.

This professional learning, sharing, and networking opportunity will include sessions and workshops centered around storytelling, art integration, and science communication, as well as polar inspired performances and polar art gallery tours. 

The Polar STEAM Summit is designed to deliver meaningful professional value across disciplines: 

For Researchers 

The Summit is designed to support researchers at all career stages in developing science communication, collaboration, and broader‑impact skills increasingly valued by funding agencies and research institutions, while offering opportunities to share research through creative formats and build interdisciplinary networks. 

For Educators 

The Summit will support educators in strengthening interdisciplinary teaching practices by examining structured approaches to art integration and storytelling that support curriculum development and student engagement, while also providing opportunities to work with authentic polar science data, support the development of STEM identities, and build professional community through collaboration and networking. 

For Artists 

The Summit offers artists opportunities to engage deeply with polar science and researchers, expand science‑informed creative practice, and contribute to public engagement around climate and polar research through performance, exhibition, and storytelling. 

For Polar Enthusiasts 

The Summit also welcomes polar enthusiasts (community members, advocates, and lifelong learners) who are curious about polar regions and eager to engage with science, art, and storytelling alongside researchers, educators, and artists. 

Click the links or use the navigation menu to get more information to plan your trip, view the schedule, and get registration details.