The UK Polar Network was established in April 2007 as part of the 2007 – 2009 International Polar Year (IPY). We are the UK branch of the Association of Early Career Scientists (APECS) and currently have over 400 members, from aspiring undergraduates to Masters and PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and recent faculty appointees. As a voluntary group we organise career development events for early career scientists in addition to running education and outreach activities to enthuse and inspire young people about the polar regions. The UK Polar Network aims to provide networking between and support for early-career polar researchers, education and outreach with regards to polar issues to young people and the general public, and to make polar science a welcoming and inclusive place for all.