Acronyms and abbreviations are extensively used in science, and any programme, institute or organisation with respect for itself has one. However, these acronyms and abbreviations can create a problem for someone reading papers outside their own special field. A list for guidance in the jungle of abbreviations is often useful.

We have tried to collect abbreviations that are useful to polar scientists and administrators. International organisations and programmes that are related to polar science is one area covered; another is national and regional organisations and programmes. We have tried to include only those national abbreviations that would be of interest to an international community.