Fairbanks was chosen as the site of the fifth conference because of its relative accessibility; the expertise in permafrost, glacial, and polar research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks; and its proximity to many examples of cold-climate geomorphology, such as pingos, ice wedges, and patterned ground, which will provide many interesting destinations for the mid-conference field trip (as they did for the Third and Ninth International Conferences on Permafrost, which were also held in Fairbanks in 1983 and 2008 respectively).

The conference is the latest in a continuing series of meetings that are intended to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas between planetary and terrestrial scientists interested in Mars polar and climate research. In recognition of the broad scope, interdisciplinary nature, and strong international interest in this topic, the participation of any interested scientist with relevant theoretical, experimental, or polar field experience is strongly encouraged.

The first announcement is now available on the conference website