The International Permafrost Association (IPA) disseminates knowledge concerning permafrost and promotes research and cooperation among people and organizations engaged in scientific investigation and engineering work on permafrost. The IPA supports the production of scientific products (e.g. permafrost maps and databases) and education and outreach resources through our Action Groups, Interest Groups, and Standing Committees. Additionally, the IPA initiates and oversees Regional and International Conferences on Permafrost. The IPA is governed by its Executive Committee and a Council consisting of representatives from 26 Adhering Bodies having interests in some aspect of theoretical, basic and applied frozen ground research, including permafrost, seasonal frost, artificial freezing and periglacial phenomena.