Applying BAS science to global challenges

Also in Applying BAS science to global challenges

Much more than a polar organisation

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading polar research organisations – but today our science is increasingly called upon to address challenges away from the Poles.

We work closely with other research groups, governments, international development organisations, universities and businesses all over the world to collect and interpret crucial scientific data that shapes policy, protects the environment and ultimately improves people’s lives.

If your organisation is addressing an environmental challenge in any of the areas shown here, our multidisciplinary teams can apply scientific and logistics expertise honed in one of the most demanding places on Earth to help find a solution. We can partner with you to secure vital funding – BAS has earned an exceptional track record of winning research grants by delivering science excellence and value for money. To discuss the opportunities that working with BAS can bring, email partnerships@bas.ac.uk.

Studying high-mountain glacier melt in the Himalayas

The BAS community

Partnering with BAS opens access to a team of more than 130 scientists spanning a wide range of scientific disciplines. These scientists are supported by our expert logistic, engineering, and laboratory teams. Wherever we work, BAS brings the same commitment to quality training and safety. We can assemble and mobilise science teams that bring together combinations of specialists to many projects, whether working independently or augmenting your existing capability. BAS is a component of the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council and enjoys excellent links with the UK science community. By collaborating with us you will benefit from being a part of this network.

Resources

BAS scientists have access to a unique array of vehicles, facilities and scientific equipment. This includes:

  • Cambridge headquarters accommodating an aquarium,  controlled environment facilities,  workshops and discrete laboratories for biological, geological, ice chemistry and micromolecular studies
  • An ice-capable ship: RRS Sir David Attenborough
  • Five aircraft capable of operating in remote areas and fully-instrumented for atmospheric measurements and a variety of remote sensing roles
  • Unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles
  • Extensive and diverse range of research equipment including remote sensing technology (e.g. photogrammetric cameras, lidar).

Advanced science for a changing world

BAS is committed to harnessing the power of science to overcome environmental challenges, whether in the freezing climate of Antarctica or the hyper-arid heat of Saharan Africa.

By applying a rigorous scientific approach and equipment proven to be effective in some of the most inhospitable places on Earth, we are working to answer some of the biggest questions facing the world today. Because the more we understand about how our world is changing, the better positioned we will be to respond to those changes, and to protect those most at risk.

We want to work with others who share this goal. So if your organisation is also working to protect our planet for future generations, and would benefit from the support of a world-leading multi-disciplinary organisation dedicated to excellence in science and with experience working in extreme environments, we would love to hear from you.

Unusual enzymes and other biomolecules produced by these bacteria and fungi may have biotechnological applications that could benefit humanity.