6 October, 2025
The fleet of British Antarctic Survey aircraft have taken off on their annual ‘ferry flights’ from Canada, in preparation for a new season of science in Antarctica. The BAS fleet …
29 September, 2025
London, 29-30 September 2025 – Scientists meeting at The Royal Society in London this week are issuing a stark warning: dramatic and extreme changes in Antarctica are happening faster than …
2 September, 2025
British Antarctic Survey is inviting you to send your name on an extraordinary adventure to the world’s most remote continent. This October, you can be part of a remarkable expedition …
15 November, 2024
Today marks the release of The Seventh Continent, a new album from the international Sounds of Space Project that offers a unique aural journey to Antarctica. The album features contributions …
7 October, 2024
*It’s not too late to sign up to Ticket to Antarctica. Your name can join RRS Sir David Attenborough in the Falkland Islands* Do you dream of visiting Antarctica? Well, …
Read more on Get your Ticket to Antarctica! Your name will go on a journey to the frozen wilderness
12 September, 2024
Your name will go on a journey to the frozen wilderness! New project seeks to inspire, educate and entertain the public about Antarctica. Do you dream of visiting Antarctica? Well, …
2 July, 2024
Climate scientists from University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey will be at the 2024 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, showcasing how they are using Antarctic ice cores to unlock …
Read more on Listen to ancient air escaping from polar ice cores at Royal Society
29 April, 2024
British Antarctic Survey, in partnership with the University of Cambridge, will be at the 2024 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, showcasing how, using Antarctic ice cores to unlock the past, we …
Read more on Hold polar ice at Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition
23 February, 2024 Livia Oldland
Our colleagues Millicent Harding and Louise Mercer from the UK Polar Network and as part of the Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative (DiPSI) share their experience of a very …
Read more on Guest blog: celebrating Polar Pride in Parliament
30 December, 2023 Emily Newton
How does a woman born in 1950s England go on to earn a PhD in geology, spend weeks at a time researching in Antarctica, become the director of the British …
17 November, 2023
This November British Antarctic Survey joins with the polar community to celebrate the contribution of LGBTQIA+ people in polar research and operations to mark Polar Pride Day and LGBTQIA STEM …
13 November, 2023
Antarctica Live Lessons, a new and exciting learning resource, launches today (13 November). Aimed at engaging and inspiring the imaginations of young learners, the platform introduces an array of live, …
Read more on New ‘live lessons’ offer interactive learning for kids
25 September, 2023
British Antarctic Survey scientists are called up for their expertise this season, in a series of documentaries on radio and television. Secrets of our Universe with Tim Peake, Channel 5 …
Read more on British Antarctic Survey on Radio & TV this Autumn
13 April, 2023
Scientists Dr Peter Davis (British Antarctic Survey) and Dr Britney Schmidt (Cornell University) have been named in the 2023 TIME100 annual list of the 100 most influential people in the …
Read more on Scientists named on TIME100 list for Antarctic research
5 April, 2023 Alysa Fisher
Alysa Hulbert, is an Information Officer at British Antarctic Survey. She spent several months last year working in Antarctica, which coincided with the Jewish festival of Passover or Pesach פֶּסַח. …
22 March, 2023 Emily Newton
Composer Ewan Campbell has written a piece of music for trumpet inspired by the 21-year journey of the A22a iceberg. The new composition was also illustrated onto a British Antarctic …
Read more on Last Post from the burning decks of a melting iceberg
24 February, 2023
A new album inspired by the sounds of radio waves produced by a geomagnetic storm has been released. St Swithin’s Day Storm is a collaboration with Steven Anderson, known as …
2 November, 2022
The British Antarctic Survey and its partners are launching a drawing competition for schools, to inspire the next generation of polar engineers, scientists and explorers. School children between the ages …
26 September, 2022 Martin Siegert
Professor Martin Siegert is a glaciologist at Imperial College London and co-director of the Grantham Institute. He’s co-Chair of the Diversity in Polar Science Initiative and Chair of the UK …
23 September, 2022
In 2011, Frozen Planet gave BBC viewers an unprecedented insight into life in the Poles. The final episode featured British Antarctic Survey (BAS) glaciologist Dr Andy Smith using explosives to …
Read more on BBC’s Frozen Planet II: science into television
4 September, 2022
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and RSPB are recruiting albatross detectives to help to search for wandering albatrosses in satellite images taken from space. This is to help us learn more …
Read more on Albatrosses from space: wildlife detectives needed!
31 May, 2022 Pilvi Saarikoski
You may have heard acronyms such as EDI, DEI, EDIA, JEDI, and wondered what they mean. They refer to issues including equity, equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, concepts that take on different meanings depending on the cultural and historical context they exist in. Historically, and still today, we know that some people are systemically disadvantaged and marginalised in society, so whatever the acronym, inclusion work should generally try to dismantle and help unlearn prevailing unjust structural and cultural settings.
26 January, 2022
The first observations from the Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative (DiPSI) describes the efforts required to create a more inclusive workplace in UK polar science. The editorial is published …
Read more on Creating a more inclusive workspace in UK polar science
18 November, 2021
Today (18 November) British Antarctic Survey (BAS) joins global celebrations to mark LGBTQ+ STEM DAY and Polar Pride Day. Polar Pride is a celebration of the contribution of LGBTQ+ people …
29 October, 2021
Explore polar science and engineering from your home with the Ice Worlds Festival online resources. On the eve of the UN COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, British Antarctic Survey has …
Read more on Take part in Ice Worlds Festival and explore RRS Sir David Attenborough online
28 October, 2021
RRS Sir David Attenborough visits London as pre-COP event ahead of first mission to Antarctica. The UK’s new polar research ship is making its London debut in Greenwich (Thursday 28 October …
19 October, 2021
The Innovation Showcase explains how innovative science and technology is helping or, in future, could substantially help the goals of COP26 and of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enabling adaptation to climate change or informing action related to climate change.
Read more on Universities Network: COP26 Images of Innovation Exhibition
14 October, 2021
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and WWF are seeking the public’s help to search for walrus in thousands of satellite images taken from space, with the aim of learning more about …
Read more on WALRUS FROM SPACE: Animal spotters wanted to join mass survey!
13 August, 2021
Outcomes of the first phase of the Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative (DiPSI) are promoted this month
Read more on Report on first phase of Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative
28 May, 2021
This summer, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) will be an official partner for the Good Business Festival youth programme in the Liverpool City Region. BAS already has an important connection with the area – Britain’s new polar ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough …
Read more on British Antarctic Survey partners with The Good Business Festival Youth Programme
18 May, 2021 Laura Gerrish
Welcome to the new Antarctic Digital Database (ADD) blog series, updating our users about each update of the datasets in the ADD and about other pieces of work happening in …
7 August, 2020
Please join us in congratulating Dr Huw Griffiths, Marine Biogeographer at British Antarctic Survey, who has been awarded the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Medal for Education and Communication. …
Read more on Dr Huw Griffiths awarded SCAR Medal for Education and Communication
4 August, 2020
New blogs, refreshed web content and a social media campaign aim to highlight a two-year programme of work aimed at boosting diversity in UK polar science.
14 July, 2020 Jane Rumble
BLOG. Jane Rumble, Head of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Polar Regions Department talks about a new initiative to enhance diversity in UK Polar Science
22 April, 2020
*Did you miss the live event on 22 April? The recording is now available to watch below, or on Youtube via: https://youtu.be/8r3xdrp5GGI* Online launch of The Song of the Ice …
9 April, 2020 Robert Taylor
Episode 5: Seals from Space In Episode 5 of Iceworld, Rob Taylor is joined by Prem Gill who has just completed two weeks of fieldwork as part of his PhD …
Read more on PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 5 – Seals from Space
6 April, 2020
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Our organisation continues to function well in spite of most of our staff working from home. Science and support teams who have completed summer fieldwork are currently being repatriated to UK.
25 March, 2020 Robert Taylor
Episode 4: Atmosphere In the latest episode of Iceworld, Josh Eveson joins Rob Taylor to talk about the atmosphere and weather research taking place at Halley Research Station. More than …
26 November, 2019
A new climate change artwork – Ice Floor, a new Phase 2 by Wayne Binitie, opens this week at Arup’s Fitzroy Street offices in London. The work was developed in …
Read more on Ice core inspired art installation opens in London
20 October, 2019
A new work by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage celebrates the RRS Sir David Attenborough. In this video Simon describes his inspiration for the poem, which can be read in full …
5 September, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Sir David Attenborough will attend the Royal Ceremonial Naming of the New Polar Research Ship at the Cammell Laird shipyard on Thursday 26 …
Read more on Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to attend Naming Ceremony of New Polar Ship
29 May, 2018
Leading climate scientist and BAS oceanographer Dr Emily Shuckburgh worked with award-winning author and illustrator Chris Haughton to create the short film Message from Antarctica. This is part of the …
Read more on Hay Festival short film highlights Antarctic climate science
29 August, 2017
The “stern section” of the new polar research ship for Britain, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, arrived at Cammell Laird’s shipyard in Birkenhead this weekend (27 August 2017). The video …
Read more on Update – polar ship stern block arrives in Birkenhead
18 August, 2017
A major feat of engineering takes place this week (21 August) as the “stern section” of the new polar research ship for Britain, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, is transported …
18 July, 2017
Last week (12th July) Dr Emily Shuckburgh travelled to Pittsburgh, USA, and received the prestigious 2017 I. E. Block Community Lecture prize from SIAM – the Society for Industrial and …
Read more on Climate Scientist awarded Prestigious Mathematical prize
14 June, 2017
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is delighted to be participating in this year’s Bluedot music festival in Macclesfield 7-9 July. The event, which last year attracted over 20,000 visitors, is billed …
Read more on British Antarctic Survey at Bluedot Festival 2017
6 June, 2017
Horizon documentary ‘Antarctica Ice Station Rescue’ broadcasts on Wednesday 7 June @ 21:00 on BBC Two In 2016 British Antarctic Survey (BAS) invited BBC film-maker Natalie Hewit to its Halley …
Read more on Horizon Antarctica Ice Station Rescue on BBC Two
18 May, 2017 Klaus Dodds
On March 27 2017, British Antarctic Survey played host to a lively and well attended workshop on polar governance. Throughout the day an array of scientists, social scientists, and humanities …
15 January, 2017
British Antarctic Survey scientist Dr Emily Shuckburgh OBE has co-authored a book on climate change as part of the new Ladybird Expert series, it was announced today. Her co-authors are His …
8 October, 2016
Data as art captivates a London audience
Read more on Ancient ice inspires Royal College of Art glass artist
4 October, 2016
Celebrating 25 years of environmental protection in Antarctica
Read more on Protecting the Antarctic Environment: 25 years on
28 July, 2016 Melody Clark
Dr Melody Clark gets excited about sea snails as part of an innovative research programme to investigate how Antarctica’s animals will adapt to life in a warmer world. Penguins or …
29 April, 2016
BBC Horizon documentary ‘Ice Station Antarctica’ to be broadcast on Wednesday 4 May at 8pm, BBC2.
Read more on Documentary follows BBC’s Peter Gibbs back to the ice
23 March, 2016 Susie Grant
Last week was UK Science Week, and we asked schools and anyone else who had burning questions about the Antarctic deep sea to send them to us here on the …
Read more on SHIP BLOG: Science Week questions answered from the Southern Ocean
22 March, 2016
The Natural History Museum at Tring’s new family exhibition Antarctica asks you to decide whether you could survive the hostile conditions faced by scientists living and working on this fragile …
17 March, 2016 Harriet Clewlow
Life on Signy Island has been pretty hectic for the last couple of weeks with multiple ship visits, saying goodbye to old colleagues, welcoming new base personnel and, in between, …
Read more on ANTARCTIC BLOG: The many “hats” of a polar scientist
17 March, 2016
Got a name for the new polar research ship?
19 February, 2016 Jamie Coleman
Life on the sub Antarctic Island of South Georgia working for BAS is an amazing experience. South Georgia has the perfect combination of spectacular landscape and incredible wildlife. We have millions …
Read more on Life on the sub Antarctic island of South Georgia
12 February, 2016 Alex Taylor
Despite being one of BAS’s smallest stations, I would argue that Signy is one of the most remote. Situated in the South Orkney Islands, at a relatively northerly 60 degrees …
12 February, 2016 Joanne Johnson
After our extended period of lie-up, I now have the slightly surreal pleasure of sitting at Rothera writing this, contemplating flying home tomorrow. We flew back from the field on …
5 February, 2016 Athena Dinar
“I feel like I’m home” says BBC weather forecaster Peter Gibbs as he sets foot on the Brunt Ice Shelf. It’s an emotional moment for him; the last time he …
27 January, 2016 Athena Dinar
Ten days ago we left Cape Town on the RRS Ernest Shackleton bound for Antarctica. Today we hit the ice. And quite literally we are hitting the ice! The ship …
7 October, 2015 Joanne Johnson
Science team goes deep field to Marie Byrd Land
22 September, 2015 Lucy Quinn
When I last wrote a web diary, back in April, it was at the end of the summer season and the first few intrepid weeks of winter. It’s hard to …
Read more on ANTARCTIC BLOG: Leopard seals, wanderer chicks and…superheroes?!
28 July, 2015
Welcome to our new website! We’ve given our website a makeover so that you can find everything you need or want to know about polar science and operations. There are …
22 July, 2015
Why does Antarctica matter? Young Geographer of the Year Award 2015 The Royal Geographical Society is running a schools competition to mark the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance expedition, …
16 June, 2015
Midwinter Celebrations in Antarctica This week staff at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica. In a tradition which began in the days of Captain Scott the …
Read more on NEWS STORY: Midwinter Celebrations in Antarctica
4 June, 2015
FREE event: ‘Discover Antarctica’ at British Geological Survey Open Day, Saturday 27 June, 10am-4pm Staff from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) will showcase its work at this year’s British Geological Survey …
Read more on NEWS STORY: Space weather features at free event
27 May, 2015
FREE Public Event – Work in a cold climate: designing for the most extreme place on Earth London Festival of Architecture 2015 Thursday 18 June 2015, 18:30 – 20:00 The …
8 May, 2015
THIS year’s Lyme Regis Fossil Festival was another success, with thousands of people visiting the three-day event.
Innovation is at the heart of our organisation. Scientific exploration of the polar regions is made possible through the inventive approach we take to our work. We aim to apply …
Communicating excellence with impact
1 April, 2015
British Antarctic Survey exhibits at Lyme Regis Fossil Festival Staff from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are displaying some amazing Antarctic fossil and biological collections at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival …
Science, business and operational planning
6 February, 2015
‘Ice-Spy in the Antarctic’ Thursday 19 February 11.00 – 11:25 14:00 – 14:25 Cambridge Science Centre, Jesus Lane, Cambridge How do you track the ice that floats in the polar …
21 June, 2013
Antarctic Twin Otter features in Duxford Education Day Around 600 schoolchildren from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire attended a special STEMNET (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network) Education Day at the …
21 June, 2013
Celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica Staff at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) celebrate Midwinter’s Day today (21 June , 2013). Celebrated as the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere, …
29 May, 2013
Kids present online TV show about British Antarctic Survey School students Dominic and Hanaa visit British Antarctic Survey to find out about climate change – watch their interview with meteorologist …
22 May, 2013
Halley VI Research Station to feature in Architectural Exhibition A new international touring exhibition illustrating how innovative contemporary architecture is enabling scientists to live and work in one of the …
6 July, 2005
Tension is mounting for three teams of architects and engineers who are competing for the design of the new British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Halley Research Station. The winning team will …
1 February, 2005
A unique collaboration between science and music makes a return to the Royal Festival Hall on Saturday 30 April as the Antarctic Symphony, by acclaimed British composer Sir Peter Maxwell …
Read more on The Philharmonia Orchestra performs Antarctic Symphony