The Permafrost Young Researchers Network (PYRN) is an international organization established under the patronage of the International Permafrost Association (IPA) fostering innovative collaboration, seeking to recruit, retain and promote future generations of permafrost researchers. Initiated during the 4th International Polar Year (IPY), PYRN directs the multi-disciplinary talents of its membership toward global awareness, knowledge and response to permafrost-related challenges in a changing climate. PYRN was officially founded in November 2005 at the International Conference on Arctic Planning (ICARP II) and grew steadily since then to now reach over 600 permafrost researchers and educators in the world on behalf of the International Permafrost Association.