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BAS > News and media

Archives: News

king penguins at sunset

Season’s greetings!

7 December, 2023

Read more on Season’s greetings!

Antarctic photo nominated in competition

6 December, 2023

The Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition celebrates the power of photography in capturing scientific phenomena happening all around us, and the role great images play in making science accessible to …

Read more on Antarctic photo nominated in competition

RRS Sir David Attenborough samples A23a iceberg during climate science mission

4 December, 2023

ANTARCTICA: Scientists aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough collected samples of seawater around the A23a mega iceberg, the largest iceberg in the world. New video footage shows the enormous iceberg, …

Read more on RRS Sir David Attenborough samples A23a iceberg during climate science mission

Scientists track rapid retreat of Antarctic glacier

28 November, 2023

Scientists are warning that apparently stable glaciers in Antarctica can change rapidly and lose large quantities of ice as a result of warmer oceans. Using satellite data, a team discovered …

Read more on Scientists track rapid retreat of Antarctic glacier

A blue building with a control tower on the roof and white snowy mountains in the background with a blue sky above

Construction first for British Antarctic Survey as specialist team fit-out new building over the Antarctic winter

27 November, 2023

Construction has begun in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) with specialists arriving at Rothera Research Station to progress several projects to secure the future of polar operations and …

Read more on Construction first for British Antarctic Survey as specialist team fit-out new building over the Antarctic winter

Water next to the ocean.

Using AI to track icebergs

23 November, 2023

Researchers are using a new AI tool to detect icebergs in the Southern Ocean. This is the first step towards scientists being able to track the complete life cycle of …

Read more on Using AI to track icebergs

A bird sitting on a rock

Additional cases of Avian Flu confirmed on South Georgia

20 November, 2023

Last month, October 2023, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was confirmed on Bird Island, South Georgia in the brown skua populations. Since then, a number of other cases of symptomatic …

Read more on Additional cases of Avian Flu confirmed on South Georgia

RRS Sir David Attenborough completes ice trials

First Antarctic research mission on polar ship

20 November, 2023

A team of international researchers set sail on the RRS Sir David Attenborough today (20 November) to answer some of the big questions about how Antarctic ecosystems and sea ice …

Read more on First Antarctic research mission on polar ship

A sign on the side of a building

Celebrating Polar Pride 2023

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 …

Read more on Celebrating Polar Pride 2023

A wall of jagged ice in front of a mountain

New Antarctic place names announced

15 November, 2023

Since Antarctica has no indigenous human populations to give names to landmarks, the UK Antarctic Place-names Committee provides advice on place-naming in the British Antarctic Territory, adhering to international principles …

Read more on New Antarctic place names announced

Logo

New ‘live lessons’ offer interactive learning for kids

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

Ice cream in a large body of water.

Team heads for Antarctica to study global warming effects

8 November, 2023

A research mission to Antarctica will study the effects of global warming on the West Antarctic ice sheet. The mission is part of an international research programme, which includes researchers …

Read more on Team heads for Antarctica to study global warming effects

A large passenger jet flying through a clear blue sky

British Antarctic Survey unveils pilotless plane for testing in Antarctica

31 October, 2023

Polar science could reach new heights as researchers prepare to test the new Windracers ULTRA autonomous drone in Antarctica this season. A new, state-of-the-art autonomous drone capable of carrying a …

Read more on British Antarctic Survey unveils pilotless plane for testing in Antarctica

A bird standing on a rocky hill

First confirmed cases of Avian Influenza in the Antarctic region

23 October, 2023

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in brown skua populations on Bird Island, South Georgia – the first known cases in the Antarctic region.  Following reports of several …

Read more on First confirmed cases of Avian Influenza in the Antarctic region

Increased West Antarctic Ice Sheet melting ‘unavoidable’

23 October, 2023

The West Antarctic Ice Sheet will continue to increase its rate of melting over the rest of the century, no matter how much we reduce fossil fuel use, according to …

Read more on Increased West Antarctic Ice Sheet melting ‘unavoidable’

Cleaning the All-Sky Camera portal on top of the optical caboose at Rothera Research Station

2023-2024 field season begins for British Antarctic Survey

19 October, 2023

The Antarctic field season has started, with over 600 people beginning the journey South to work on over 60 projects on station and in the field. The season of work …

Read more on 2023-2024 field season begins for British Antarctic Survey

Sea change: new blueprint for Southern Ocean

18 October, 2023

More than 200 scientists, including several from British Antarctic Survey (BAS), from 19 countries have released the first comprehensive assessment of trends in Southern Ocean ecosystems, in a report written …

Read more on Sea change: new blueprint for Southern Ocean

BAS shortlisted for NERC’s 2023 Impact Awards

18 October, 2023

The shortlist has been announced for The Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) Impact Awards 2023. Four BAS projects have made the shortlist and commended list, ranging from biodiversity and ecology …

Read more on BAS shortlisted for NERC’s 2023 Impact Awards

A person sitting on a bench with a mountain in the background

Estates and Facilities Team win prestigious award

17 October, 2023

Congratulations to our Estates and Facilities Team who have won the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management’s (IFWM) Impact Awards 2023 under the “Team of the Year: Public Sector” category.   …

Read more on Estates and Facilities Team win prestigious award

New threat to Antarctic fur seals

16 October, 2023

Antarctic fur seals that were hunted to near extinction have recovered but now face dangerous decline because of a lack of food, new research suggests.   The study of fur seals, …

Read more on New threat to Antarctic fur seals

Hamish Pritchard awarded Innovation in Meteorology Prize

5 October, 2023

British Antarctic Survey glaciologist Hamish Pritchard has won the 2023 Harry Otten Prize for Innovation in Meteorology. His idea, Lakes as snowfall sensors: solving the precipitation problem in the mountain …

Read more on Hamish Pritchard awarded Innovation in Meteorology Prize

A large mountain in the background

Antarctica’s glacial border moves for miles with the tide

26 September, 2023

New measurements of how the boundary between onshore glacier and floating ice shelf glides back-and- forth could help predict melting The grounding line of the southern Ronne Ice Shelf in …

Read more on Antarctica’s glacial border moves for miles with the tide

British Antarctic Survey on Radio & TV this Autumn

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

A body of water next to the ocean

Supergiant iceberg makes surrounding ocean surface colder and less salty

21 September, 2023

The melting of the supergiant iceberg A-68 had a huge impact on the ocean around South Georgia, in sub-Antarctica, and significantly changed the Southern Ocean’s temperature and saltiness, with potentially …

Read more on Supergiant iceberg makes surrounding ocean surface colder and less salty

A view of a snow covered mountain

Brunt Ice Shelf speeds up after calving of giant iceberg

13 September, 2023

ANTARCTICA – Following the calving of the A-81 iceberg at the end of January 2023, the Brunt Ice Shelf is moving faster than before. It is currently moving approximately 4 …

Read more on Brunt Ice Shelf speeds up after calving of giant iceberg

UKRI welcomes Horizon Europe deal

7 September, 2023

The government has announced today that the UK will join Horizon Europe under a new bespoke deal with the EU. View the government announcement at: UK joins Horizon Europe under a …

Read more on UKRI welcomes Horizon Europe deal

Left or right winged? Handedness in diving northern gannets

6 September, 2023

A new study of northern gannets has found that individual birds are left or right winged. The study, published in in Biology Letters, is the first to demonstrate ‘handedness’ in …

Read more on Left or right winged? Handedness in diving northern gannets

Clouds formed with sea salt contribute to Arctic warming

4 September, 2023

Scientists studying Arctic warming have shared new evidence that sea salt aerosols from “blowing snow” play a significant role in forming clouds that reflect solar radiation back to the Earth’s …

Read more on Clouds formed with sea salt contribute to Arctic warming

A boat that is sitting in the snow

Retreating sea ice keeps zooplankton in the depths

28 August, 2023

Climate change is affecting the vertical migration of zooplankton in the Arctic, with potential implications for the entire Arctic ecosystem, finds a new study, published today in Nature Climate Change. …

Read more on Retreating sea ice keeps zooplankton in the depths

Penguins

Loss of sea ice causes catastrophic breeding failure for emperor penguins

24 August, 2023

Emperor penguin colonies experienced unprecedented breeding failure in a region of Antarctica where there was total sea ice loss in 2022. The discovery supports predictions that over 90% of emperor …

Read more on Loss of sea ice causes catastrophic breeding failure for emperor penguins

First AUV deployed from new polar ship

22 August, 2023

An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) was deployed from the RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) for the first time last week. The Gavia Offshore Surveyor, named Freya, was deployed from the …

Read more on First AUV deployed from new polar ship

Ocean glider at sea surface surrounded by ice

Urgent call for more Southern Ocean research

18 August, 2023

Today, hundreds of international scientists are sounding a clarion call for urgent expansion of Southern Ocean research in the emerging climate crisis. 300 scientists from 25 nations have been meeting …

Read more on Urgent call for more Southern Ocean research

A wall of jagged ice in front of a mountain

Increasing ship traffic in Inuit Nunangat

17 August, 2023

Researchers from British Antarctic Survey are heading to the Canadian Arctic this week to learn more about the impacts of increasing ship traffic in Inuit Nunangat. In recent years, climate …

Read more on Increasing ship traffic in Inuit Nunangat

A close up of a snow covered mountain.

New Antarctic extremes ‘virtually certain’ as world warms

8 August, 2023

Extreme events in Antarctica such as ocean heatwaves and ice loss will almost certainly become more common and more severe, researchers say. With drastic action now needed to limit global …

Read more on New Antarctic extremes ‘virtually certain’ as world warms

A view of a snow covered mountain.

The mystery of the missing Antarctic sea ice

3 August, 2023

Winter sea ice in the Antarctic is at a historic low, and scientists are working to understand why an area of ice the size of Greenland is missing. Scientists from …

Read more on The mystery of the missing Antarctic sea ice

SDA at Rothera wharf

Next phase of trials underway on polar ship

28 July, 2023

Further trials are underway on RRS Sir David Attenborough in preparation for its first Antarctic science cruise. Over the coming weeks, the crew and scientists on board will be carrying …

Read more on Next phase of trials underway on polar ship

A rainbow over a body of water.

60 years of Antarctic ice sheet data released

17 July, 2023

In a significant milestone for Antarctic research, detailed and extensive information on ice thickness and bed topography is now available for the first time in a centralised and standardised format. …

Read more on 60 years of Antarctic ice sheet data released

Ny-√Ölesund International Research Village

Poet Laureate visits UK Arctic Research Station

14 July, 2023

The UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage CBE has travelled to the UK Arctic Research Station, where he will create new works inspired by the visit. While hosted at the UK …

Read more on Poet Laureate visits UK Arctic Research Station

A truck is parked on the side of a building

Partnership with Dutch researchers continues

12 July, 2023

This month, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Dutch Research Council NWO, on behalf of the Netherlands Polar Programme (NPP), accepted the renewal of the longstanding scientific cooperation agreement to …

Read more on Partnership with Dutch researchers continues

A close up of a snow covered field

DNA Detectives: New ways to spot Southern Ocean hitchhikers

10 July, 2023

How do you spot an invader you can’t see in a harsh and unforgiving environment? A team of international scientists are looking for new methods to defend the frozen continent …

Read more on DNA Detectives: New ways to spot Southern Ocean hitchhikers

A man flying through the air while riding a wave in the ocean

Threatened sea birds visit plastic pollution hot spots

4 July, 2023

Plastic pollution accumulating in international waters poses a serious risk to marine life, including a number of threatened bird species. A huge team of scientists studied the global movements of …

Read more on Threatened sea birds visit plastic pollution hot spots

RRS Sir David Attenborough completes ice trials on its maiden voyage to Antarctica

Trial of lower carbon alternative fuel begins on RRS Sir David Attenborough

3 July, 2023

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for the first time on the RRS Sir David Attenborough, as an alternative to conventional diesel fuel, as part of …

Read more on Trial of lower carbon alternative fuel begins on RRS Sir David Attenborough

A pile of fish

Fish survival in the extreme cold

30 June, 2023

An international team of researchers has sequenced the genomes of 24 Antarctic fish species to investigate how they survive the extreme cold. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, …

Read more on Fish survival in the extreme cold

A lamprey on a rock

Bird diet sampling helps uncover the lives of living fossils

27 June, 2023

Researchers have discovered a flesh-eating fish is in major decline – by looking at the stomach content of some of the world’s largest bird, albatrosses. The Patagonian Lamprey, Geotria macrostoma, …

Read more on Bird diet sampling helps uncover the lives of living fossils

Picture of Ryder Bay in Antarctica

Breaking the ‘Ice Ceiling’ for Gender Equality

27 June, 2023

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has achieved an Athena Swan Silver Award in recognition of efforts to advance the careers of women and underrepresented groups at the polar research institute in …

Read more on Breaking the ‘Ice Ceiling’ for Gender Equality

Image of MiBAS consultation

Perspectives from minority staff working in polar research

23 June, 2023

A recent study published in the journal Earth Science, Systems and Society sheds light on the experiences and viewpoints of staff working for British Antarctic Survey (BAS) from minority backgrounds. …

Read more on Perspectives from minority staff working in polar research

A snow covered mountain

Celebrating Midwinter in Antarctica

21 June, 2023

Today (21 June) marks the longest night in Antarctica and around 40 people will be celebrating Midwinter in British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) three winter stations: Rothera Research Station on the …

Read more on Celebrating Midwinter in Antarctica

Brunt Ice Shelf

Polar Science for a Sustainable Planet: new science strategy

19 June, 2023

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), launches its new ten-year science strategy today (19 June) that addresses urgent scientific challenges facing our world, namely in the continents of the Arctic and …

Read more on Polar Science for a Sustainable Planet: new science strategy

Scientists set out benchmarks for extreme space weather

15 June, 2023

Extreme space weather threatens vital satellites orbiting the Earth, including the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) which pass through the heart of the outer radiation belt. New research led by …

Read more on Scientists set out benchmarks for extreme space weather

A sunset over a body of water

Deep ocean waters in Antarctica are shrinking and warming

12 June, 2023

Antarctic Bottom Water is the coldest, densest water mass on the planet and plays a pivotal role in regulating the ocean’s ability to store heat and capture carbon. In a …

Read more on Deep ocean waters in Antarctica are shrinking and warming

Chart, map

New map reflects ice loss and name changes

8 June, 2023

Dramatic changes in the Polar Regions are reflected in a new edition map of Antarctica and the Arctic produced by cartographers at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The flagship printed …

Read more on New map reflects ice loss and name changes

A man with a helmet on a mountain road

Net zero ambitions achieve new standard through independent assessment

5 June, 2023

British Antarctic Survey (BAS), an institute of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is one of the first public sector organisations to be recognised by the Carbon Trust for its …

Read more on Net zero ambitions achieve new standard through independent assessment

A large ship in a body of water

Antarctic tipping points – new report

1 June, 2023

Concern is rising about tipping points in the Antarctic region. Recent heatwaves, changes in the Southern Ocean, and a reduction in the extent of Antarctic sea ice suggest that we …

Read more on Antarctic tipping points – new report

A glass of water

Ground beneath Thwaites Glacier mapped for first time

31 May, 2023

The ground beneath Antarctica’s most vulnerable glacier has been mapped for the first time, helping scientists to better understand how it is being affected by climate change. Analysis of the …

Read more on Ground beneath Thwaites Glacier mapped for first time

A tent in the snow

Rocks beneath Antarctic Ice Sheet reveal surprising past

30 May, 2023

The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is shrinking, with many glaciers across the region retreating and melting at an alarming rate. However, this was not always the case according to new …

Read more on Rocks beneath Antarctic Ice Sheet reveal surprising past

Polar Field Guide checking sea-ice thickness to ensure safe operations ahead of the ship arrival at the Brunt Ice Shelf

BAS science funded by Pushing the Frontiers scheme

22 May, 2023

Natural Environment Research Council’s pioneering Pushing the Frontiers scheme has funded four projects led by scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The projects, which received grants totaling £3.8m, are part …

Read more on BAS science funded by Pushing the Frontiers scheme

A graphic showing beautiful sections of the geological map.

New map unlocks deep digital data of Antarctica’s history

19 May, 2023

GeoMAP Antarctica, an open-access and comprehensive geological mapping database of Antarctica, was released today in Nature Scientific Data. Understanding Antarctica’s geosphere is, and has been, critical for understanding the continent’s …

Read more on New map unlocks deep digital data of Antarctica’s history

A large doughnut

Sea butterfly life cycle threatened by climate change

15 May, 2023

Shelled pteropods, commonly known as sea butterflies, are increasingly exposed to ocean changes, but some species are more vulnerable to this threat. In a new study, published this month (11 …

Read more on Sea butterfly life cycle threatened by climate change

A bird standing on top of a mountain.

Scientists track the epic flight of fledged albatross

13 May, 2023

Scientists are tracking a group of young black-browed albatross, who have begun their first epic journeys across the Southern Ocean. In April 2023, 26 young black-browed albatross on Bird Island …

Read more on Scientists track the epic flight of fledged albatross

Construction team standing on top of operations tower of a new building in Antarctica

Update on construction season in Antarctica

12 May, 2023

Modernising Antarctic Infrastructure for Future Generations of Polar Scientists Specialist construction teams are travelling home to the UK after five months of work in Antarctica to modernise British Antarctic Survey …

Read more on Update on construction season in Antarctica

A close up of a snow covered mountain.

British Antarctic Survey completes Antarctic field season

11 May, 2023

The 2022/23 Antarctic field season has ended, marking the conclusion of another successful year of scientific exploration in one of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. This field season, …

Read more on British Antarctic Survey completes Antarctic field season

A close up of a tiny flightless black midge on greenery

Invading insects transforming Antarctic soils

9 May, 2023

A tiny flightless midge which has colonised Antarctica’s Signy Island is driving fundamental changes to the island’s soil ecosystem. Research by experts at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in collaboration …

Read more on Invading insects transforming Antarctic soils

A close up of a gluder and ship.

The changing Southern Ocean: Heat and carbon

8 May, 2023

A series of studies on the Southern Ocean, which encircles Antarctica, reveal how it is changing. A special issue of the Journal Proceedings of the Royal Society, led by the …

Read more on The changing Southern Ocean: Heat and carbon

A whale breaking through the water in front of snow capped mountains

Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss together

21 April, 2023

Climate, biodiversity, and societal challenges are intrinsically linked and yet are usually viewed in isolation. A new review study, published in the journal Science this week (21st April 2023), focusses …

Read more on Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss together

A fish swimming under water

Scientists named on TIME100 list for Antarctic research

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

Newly built blue building in Antarctica

Exterior complete for new Antarctic science and operations facility

3 April, 2023

A new scientific and operational support facility at Rothera Research Station for British Antarctic Survey has been made weathertight, with the cladding complete and an  operations tower installed.

Read more on Exterior complete for new Antarctic science and operations facility

A close up of an animal.

Microplastic found in Antarctic krill and salps

29 March, 2023

A new study led by researchers at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) discovered microplastics in krill (Euphausia superba), a small shrimp-like crustacean, and salps (Salpa thompsoni), a gelatinous marine invertebrate. The …

Read more on Microplastic found in Antarctic krill and salps

The southernmost front of Pine Island Glacier

Extreme snowfall in West Antarctica driving sea-level rise

21 March, 2023

A new study highlights how extreme snowfall events significantly alter the amount of ice lost by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. A team of scientists from British Antarctic Survey, along …

Read more on Extreme snowfall in West Antarctica driving sea-level rise

First images of giant iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf

13 March, 2023

ANTARCTICA – 13 March 2023. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has released the first aerial pictures of the massive A81 iceberg that calved from the Brunt Ice Shelf in late January. …

Read more on First images of giant iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf

SDA crew celebrate successful trials on the sea ice in front of the ship

NERC update on polar research planning

28 February, 2023

Global challenges due to COVID-19 have impacted research, fieldwork, facilities and infrastructure in the polar regions, resulting in an accumulation of funded projects to be supported. NERC is committed to …

Read more on NERC update on polar research planning

Geomagnetic storm sounds inspire new album

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 …

Read more on Geomagnetic storm sounds inspire new album

New close-up view of melting beneath Thwaites Glacier

15 February, 2023

The rapid retreat of Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica appears to be driven by different processes under its floating ice shelf than researchers previously understood. Novel observations from where the …

Read more on New close-up view of melting beneath Thwaites Glacier

A large body of water.

Professor David G Vaughan OBE

12 February, 2023

It is with deep sorrow we report the death of Emeritus Fellow, Professor David Vaughan.  He was suffering from cancer and passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 9 February …

Read more on Professor David G Vaughan OBE

A wooden table

Oldest ice drilling campaign reaches key milestone

7 February, 2023

Scientists in East Antarctica drilling to find the Earth’s oldest ice have reached a key milestone after two months of fieldwork in sub-zero temperatures. The team is part of Beyond …

Read more on Oldest ice drilling campaign reaches key milestone

A person flying through the air on a snow covered slope.

Flying campaign to improve climate modelling begins

3 February, 2023

A team of scientists are currently conducting a major experiment over the Southern Ocean that will help to improve climate modelling. The Southern Ocean Clouds project team are performing several …

Read more on Flying campaign to improve climate modelling begins

New funding to predict future sea-level rise in Antarctica

2 February, 2023

Researchers at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) will develop new and ambitious ideas to tackle critical global environmental challenges, such as global sea-level rise from Antarctica, thanks to new funding. The …

Read more on New funding to predict future sea-level rise in Antarctica

SDA in Antarctica

RRS Sir David Attenborough begins polar science trials

31 January, 2023

The UK’s new polar ship RRS Sir David Attenborough begins its polar science trials in Antarctica this week. A team of 30 national and international scientists, engineers and technical staff …

Read more on RRS Sir David Attenborough begins polar science trials

A view of a snow covered mountain

Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica calves giant iceberg 

23 January, 2023

ANTARCTICA – 23 January 2023. A huge iceberg (1550 km²), almost the size of Greater London, has broken off the 150m thick Brunt Ice Shelf. It calved after cracks that …

Read more on Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica calves giant iceberg 

Emperor penguins

New emperor penguin colony discovered

20 January, 2023

Scientists have discovered a new emperor penguin colony in Antarctica using satellite mapping technology. This new colony makes a total of 66 known emperor penguin colonies around the coastline of …

Read more on New emperor penguin colony discovered

A bird sitting on top of a dirt field.

Vulnerable seabirds tracking reveals foraging patterns

19 January, 2023

A project studying the at-sea distributions of white-chinned petrels from South Georgia is now running for a second season – and early data suggest there are important differences in foraging …

Read more on Vulnerable seabirds tracking reveals foraging patterns

A herd of walruses on an ice floe

‘Walrus detectives’ sought for conservation science

16 January, 2023

This week (17 January) British Antarctic Survey and WWF are inviting the public to become ‘walrus detectives’ and get involved in the Walrus from Space project to help with vital …

Read more on ‘Walrus detectives’ sought for conservation science

Polar Medal

BAS staff awarded the Polar Medal

13 January, 2023

Congratulations to BAS staff who have been awarded a Polar Medal in the 2023 New Year’s Honours List for their scientific work or their technical support for science, in order …

Read more on BAS staff awarded the Polar Medal

Field training close to Rothera Research Station. People in an ice cave.

Opportunities for Antarctic research – apply now

3 January, 2023

Applications to carry out small-scale research projects in the Antarctic in the 2023/24 season are invited from UK-based researchers through the Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme (CASS). The Collaborative Antarctic Science …

Read more on Opportunities for Antarctic research – apply now

A living area with a building in the background

Celebrating the Festive Season in Antarctica

22 December, 2022

Colleagues and collaborators from across the globe will celebrate the festive season together at British Antarctic Survey’s five research stations in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, along with festivities onboard the …

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A satellite in space

Flying campaign to future-proof sea ice measurements

20 December, 2022

An ambitious flying campaign out of British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station over the Weddell Sea this month (December) aims to calibrate the data collected from two important satellites that …

Read more on Flying campaign to future-proof sea ice measurements

A group of people flying kites on a beach

Fieldwork starts on Thwaites Glacier

13 December, 2022

Nearly 60 scientists and support staff are on their way to Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica. It’s part of an ambitious international effort to understand the glacier and surrounding ocean …

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A large ship in a body of water

New refit yard announced for RRS Sir David Attenborough

10 December, 2022

Babcock International’s Rosyth shipyard today has been awarded £45 million to maintain the UK’s fleet of three scientific research vessels – including RRS Sir David Attenborough. The three vessels are …

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ice core field camp

Beyond EPICA deep drilling campaign begins

7 December, 2022

Scientists return to East Antarctica this month (December) to locate the oldest ice on Earth. The team is part of an EU-funded research consortium from 10 European countries whose aim …

Read more on Beyond EPICA deep drilling campaign begins

Christmas banner 2015

Season’s greetings!

5 December, 2022

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Rothera research station in Antarctica view from the west ramp showing a flag in foregrand and runway in background

New season begins for Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation programme

2 December, 2022

The next phase of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation programme (AIMP) is set to begin with a 6-month construction season at Rothera Research Station. The station is the UK’s largest Antarctic research and operations hub that supports leading researchers in frontier science in the region. 

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‘Sounds’ of the sun inspire an extraordinary new album  

2 December, 2022

A new album transporting listeners on a journey to the Sun and inspired by ‘sounds’ captured in space and on the ground shows the magic created when science and the …

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Map of Antarctica with the flags of the Antarctic Treay nations.

British Antarctic Survey celebrates its 60th anniversary on Antarctica Day

1 December, 2022

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is today celebrating 60 years of scientific research in Antarctica as the UK’s national operator on Antarctica Day (1 December). For the last six decades, the …

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Underwater view of a coral.

Warming and acidification threatens organisms

30 November, 2022

Global warming and ocean acidification are threatening marine organisms, such as corals, bryozoans, molluscs, sea urchins or crustaceans, that build their skeletons and shells with calcium carbonate (chalk) according to …

Read more on Warming and acidification threatens organisms

Wandering albatross in flight

Research shows ‘danger zones’ for wandering albatrosses

28 November, 2022

Over half of wandering albatrosses breeding on Bird Island, in the sub-Antarctic, encounter fishing vessels when feeding, putting them at risk of being accidentally caught or killed in fishing gear, …

Read more on Research shows ‘danger zones’ for wandering albatrosses

A herd of walruses on an ice floe

Calling for ‘Walrus Detectives’ on World Walrus Day

24 November, 2022

Today, 24 November 2022, marks World Walrus Day, and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and WWF are inviting the British public to become ‘walrus detectives’ and get involved in their Walrus …

Read more on Calling for ‘Walrus Detectives’ on World Walrus Day

A large body of water with a mountain in the background.

Underwater tsunamis created by glacier calving

23 November, 2022

Scientists on a research vessel in Antarctica watched the front of a glacier disintegrate and their measurements ‘went off the scale’. As well as witnessing disruptions on the ocean surface, …

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A group of people riding on the back of a boat

Celebrating Polar Pride Day 2022

18 November, 2022

Today (18 November) British Antarctic Survey (BAS) joins global celebrations to mark LGBTQIA+ STEM DAY and Polar Pride Day. Polar Pride is a celebration of the contribution of LGBTQIA+ people in polar research …

Read more on Celebrating Polar Pride Day 2022

Aerial image taken from the UAV of St Andrews Bay in South Georgia. Elephant seals on the right, king penguins in the middle and king penguin chicks on the lef

Drones survey wildlife populations in remote Sub-Antarctic island

17 November, 2022

Next generation fixed-wing drones, capable of operating autonomously beyond the standard visual line of sight, are creating datasets of major wildlife populations around South Georgia for long-term monitoring to aid …

Read more on Drones survey wildlife populations in remote Sub-Antarctic island

A circuit board

RRS Sir David Attenborough departs for Antarctica

17 November, 2022

Britain’s new polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, departs the UK next week (Tuesday 22 November) for its second voyage to Antarctica. The ship departs Harwich on 20 …

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