Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme

The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme will transform how British Antarctic Survey enables and supports frontier science.  Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), this long-term programme will enable a world-leading capability to ensure that Britain remains at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research in the Polar Regions.

Watch this short film to find out why we are modernising in Antarctica:

 

view of a runway from the air with icy waters and snowy mountain surrounding the runway.
Rothera Research Station with the new Discovery Building and resurfaced runway, credit: BAS
The side of a large blue building in a snowy environment

The Discovery Building

The Discovery Building will be a new world-class scientific support and operations facility at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.

The RRS James Clark Ross moored up at the new Rothera Wharf

Rothera Research Station Modernisation

Over the next decade Rothera Research Station will be upgraded to ensure its facilities keep the UK at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research.

A view of a snow covered slope.

Sustainability

The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) Sustainability Strategy comprises eight major sustainability themes.

A plane flying over a body of water

Future Air Capability

The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) will invest in a new aircraft and runway enhancements to provide an essential link between South America and the Falkland Islands to Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.

The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) is delivered by the British Antarctic Survey in partnership with BAM, Ramboll and Sweco.