15 September, 2016 News stories

Science and operational teams at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are looking for opportunities to partner with UK research teams preparing proposals for the new cross-research council Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) – a four-year international development initiative to allocate funding for research that addresses major challenges facing the developing world.

Much of the scientific expertise and technological know-how developed by BAS during decades of working in the polar regions can be directly transferrable to some development contexts.   For example, current projects include looking at how much glacial water is stored in high mountain ice in the Himalayas and what this means for sustaining agriculture; and several biodiversity studies around Atlantic islands are informing future conservation and commercial fishing policies.

We see a real and exciting opportunity to contribute our relevant expertise to the delivery of the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitment.  As a world-leading multidisciplinary research organisation and a component of NERC, BAS is well-placed to partner with others who seek to compete for GCRF funding.

What BAS can offer

  • Multidisciplinary environmental research expertise particularly in the fields of
  • Biological sciences – to underpin sustainable management of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, providing resilience in global food security issues
  • Geophysical mapping  – including airborne mapping of land-surface, geological and hydrological resources
  • Climate observation and projection – remote measurement of weather, projection of regional and local climate change and impacts.
  • Glacier status and change – satellite, airborne and in situ assessment of glacial status and vulnerability.
  • Low-energy, robust technologies for ‘frugal innovation’

Operational expertise in working in remote and hostile regions

  • State-of-the-art research ships and aircraft, fully equipped with advanced scientific instruments for mapping and monitoring environmental change, supported by technical and scientific experts with experience in delivering safe and successful science in remote and difficult areas.

Director of Science Professor Vaughan says,

Our research portfolio already addresses urgent environmental issues of global importance. Our research already informs and shapes national and international policies that aim to help society adapt to a changing world.  This new funding initiative presents opportunities for BAS to connect with partners who share a common goal of conducting science that makes a positive difference to everyday lives.

As part of our ambition to be a partner of choice for science, operations and business wherever polar expertise can be applied, I am keen to make contact with multidisciplinary research teams that are putting together funding proposals to the Global Challenges Research Fund to build on our track-record of successful national and international collaboration.

If you would like to partner with us or find out more please contact partnerships@bas.ac.uk