About the Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme (CASS)
The Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme (previously known as the Collaborative Gearing Scheme – CGS) provides opportunities for UK researchers to access NERC-BAS Antarctic research stations and marine science cruises for the purpose of conducting small-scale, fieldwork-based science projects that do not require logistic resources additional to those already allocated to the Antarctic field programme supported by BAS.
The projects should enhance existing funded research that has secured BAS logistic support, or may explore new ideas or test hypotheses in preparation for a funding bid to NERC. The Scheme does not provide funding for salaries, capital equipment or other direct science costs. Research proposals submitted for CASS support are expected to be relevant to NERC’s science remit, involve minimal impact on BAS logistic resources, and lead to findings that will be disseminated in the peer-reviewed literature.
Antarctica offers a unique and near-pristine environment in which to conduct science of global significance. As one of the research centres of the UK Natural Environment Research Council, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) provides UK scientists and overseas collaborators with access to UK facilities and infrastructure in Antarctica, the coastal seas and oceans that surround it, and in the sub-Antarctic.
The usual mechanism for UK-based scientists to secure access to Antarctic logistic support from BAS is through the submission of competitive proposals to NERC funding opportunities. Grants awarded by NERC through its Discovery Science, Large Grant, Fellowship or Strategic research programme opportunities, and with an agreed requirement for Antarctic fieldwork, will be supported by BAS according to guidelines given elsewhere. The Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme (CASS) – which has been operating since 2001 – provides an additional route to access Antarctic support and makes efficient use of any spare capacity in the Antarctic field programme supported by BAS.
Through the CASS, NERC provides the opportunity for scientists in recognised UK Higher Education Institutes (or other Research Council Institutes, or approved Independent Research Organisations) to undertake small-scale collaborative science projects that, by attaching additional personnel, instrumentation, or tasks to existing Antarctic activities, or using research station infrastructure, offer significant additional science outcomes. The CASS only provides access to Antarctic logistics and financial support to cover some specific costs as described under ‘CASS – Requirements and Costs’. It does not provide funding for salaries, capital equipment or other direct science costs.
Capacity in the 2026/27 season
Applications are invited for support at Bird Island Research Station, and Signy Research Station. Projects based at Signy should account for a deployment length of at least 1 month and 1 week; this includes transit time, with 3 of these weeks spent at the station. The timing of Signy inputs and uplifts will be dependent on a third-party vessel and will be subject to sea ice and weather conditions in season. Bird Island input/uplift options would be on the MV Pharos in mid-late October (subject to berth availability), followed by the RRS Sir David Attenborough’s calls to station in late December, and April.
There may be the opportunity to support complementary science projects on the RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) as part of a funded science cruise, or during transit periods if spare berths exist and any sampling or deployments of autonomous platforms would not impact the itinerary (i.e. no dedicated ship time required). The 2026/27 itinerary for the RRS Sir David Attenborough is currently under development, however if you want to explore a ship-based CASS project, then please contact the SDA Science Capability Coordinator to discuss support possibilities: SDAscience@bas.ac.uk.
Applications for support at Halley VI Research Station in 2026/27 will be considered. CASS projects seeking support at Halley should enhance existing funded station-based research or programmes, and fieldwork personnel should be prepared to deploy shortly after the first week of November 2026, before returning from fieldwork around mid-February 2027. Cargo capacity for Halley will be dependent on other station requirements, so applicants are encouraged to discuss any cargo requirements with afibas@bas.ac.uk at an early stage.
As BAS Operations are still working through season requirements for Rothera, this webpage will be updated in late January/early February 2026 with any potential capacity to support CASS projects at Rothera in 2026/27. Should any capacity be identified at Rothera, it will likely be for deployment in March/April 2027.
Whilst BAS expects to be able to support CASS projects under the current planning scenario for the 2026/27 season, should there be any further delays or impacts to funded fieldwork or infrastructure projects, this may impact BAS’ capacity to support CASS projects. BAS reserves the right to cancel support for CASS projects at any time, and team members are asked to maintain a flexible approach.
Submission deadline: 16:00 on 31st March 2026 (for applications for fieldwork support during the 2026/27 field season)
Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme form – application form for the 2026/27 field season
Please see the Requirements and Costs and Information for Applicants webpages for further information on the CASS.