Athena is Deputy Head of Communications. She develops and delivers engagement strategies for the BAS Science Programme: Polar Science for Planet Earth. She is responsible for campaign planning, media relations (manages the BAS Press Office), media visits, exhibition projects and public engagement in research in the Communications Team at British Antarctic Survey.

Athena takes a lead role in managing all aspects of communications activity. This includes managing media enquiries, writing press releases, setting up interviews, arranging filming and offering media training to staff. She has escorted several media crews to Antarctica and Arctic over her 20 years at BAS including BBC TV News, Reuters, BBC Horizon and Radio 4 The Today Programme. She also works on large scale events, taking the lead on event management and media management.

Athena is the UK lead on the communications strategy and delivery for the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration, a five-year programme of scientific investigation on Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica (www.thwaitesglacier.org)

1. ANTARCTICA INSYNC

   ANTARCTICA INSYNC brings together researchers from around the world including British Antarctic Survey to study the continent and the Southern Ocean at the same time.

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2. Antarctic surface mass and energy exchanges

   SURFEIT unites UK and international scientists to study Antarctic ice and atmosphere interactions, improve sea-level projections, and support climate action.

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3. International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration

   The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration unites global scientists to study Antarctica’s most vulnerable glacier, predict sea-level rise, and inform climate action worldwide.

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4. 60 Second Science

   60 Second Science challenged our science, engineering and support staff and their research collaborators to explain in 60 seconds what they do.

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5. Halley Research Station relocation

   In 2017 Antarctica’s first re-locatable research station was moved successfully 23 km inland to avoid the path of large cracks in the ice

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1. ANTARCTIC BLOG: BBC arrives at Halley #3

   “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 […]

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2. ANTARCTIC BLOG: BBC enroute to Halley #2

   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 […]

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3. ANTARCTIC BLOG: BBC crew enroute to Halley #1

   Antarctica is extraordinary. It is a continent of superlatives – breathtaking, beautiful, hostile, awe-inspiring and life-changing. A trip to the ice always gets under my skin. It somehow puts my […]

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1. New ‘live lessons’ offer interactive learning for kids

   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, interactive lessons about Antarctica, offering a unique opportunity for students to hear from leading ice experts.

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2. Polar Fest at The Deep, Hull

   We’re delighted to be partnering with The Deep and the Scott Polar Research Institute to bring you ‘Polar Fest’ – the perfect family friendly event this winter! This event is […]

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3. Celebrating International Women’s Day

   On International Women’s Day (8 March 2021), we mark and celebrate women working at British Antarctic Survey (BAS). We showcase the diversity of roles and specialities of those working in […]

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4. Antarctica Week Festival 2020

   Calling all schools, home-schoolers and anyone interested in polar science! We are delighted to bring you the Antarctica Week Festival 2020 giving you an opportunity to hear the stories of […]

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5. Antarctica. BBC blockbuster Seven Worlds, One Planet

   Antarctica – BBC NHU blockbuster

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6. New polar research ship makes a ‘splash’

   RRS Sir David Attenborough hull launch into River Mersey 14 July Update 20 July 2018 – watch video of launch A major milestone in the build of the UK’s state-of-the-art […]

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7. Joint UK-U.S. Antarctic programme to study future sea level rise

   A new UK-U.S. Antarctic research programme to improve the prediction of future sea-level rise is launched this week (Monday 30 April 2018) at British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Cambridge. The £20 […]

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The Communications Team works collectively on high profile projects. Our work has been recognised by our industry peers. Including:

Awards and nominations for Public Relations

Nomination for best STEM campaign – RRS Sir David Attenborough (2020)

Maritime Foundation Award – best website (www.bas.ac.uk)(2018)

CIPR Cream Award – Silver for Best In-house PR Department
PRWeek Award Finalist for Best Public Sector Dept of the Year
CorpComms Winner for Best Public Sector Award for ‘Discover Antarctica’ public engagement campaign & event (Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, Edinburgh 2006)
CorpComms Winner for Best use of Broadcast (for ITV News Antarctic visit – the Big Melt)
CIPR Excellence Awards Finalist in Broadcast Category (for ITV News Antarctic visit – the Big Melt)

Awards and nominations for Education

BAFTA Winner for Offline Educational Resource Antarctic Waves

Scottish Association of Geography Teachers award for DiscoveringAntarctica online educational resource
The Geographical Association award for DiscoveringAntarctica online educational resource
Childrens BAFTA nomination for Secondary Education
International Webby Award nomination for Education