Aquarium
Discover the UK's only cold water research aquarium
BAS Cambridge
BAS Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Position
- Lat. 52°12'44"N, Long. 0°4'50"E
- Occupied
- 1975 to present
The British Antarctic Survey organises its activities from its UK headquarters on the outskirts of the city of Cambridge. The original building, constructed in 1975, has been extended twice since then. It now provides offices, laboratories and workshops to support all the scientific and logistic activities in the Antarctic.
Specialised facilities for the scientific staff include:
- Laboratories for the physical and chemical analyses of biological, geological and ice specimens
- Molecular biology facilities
- A scanning electron microscope
- Sample preparation and controlled environment rooms (including a cold aquarium and extensive freezer storage) library
- Archives
- Computing facilities
- Mapping facilities
Aurora Innovation Centre
Read more about what the Aurora Innovation Centre can offer.
Biology laboratories
Biological researchers have access to a suite of labs
Controlled Environment Facility (CEF)
An advanced research centre dedicated to studying polar ecosystems
Geology laboratories
Since its beginnings in 1945, BAS has been collecting and studying Antarctic rocks and fossils.
Ice core aquisition and analysis
UK national facility and capability
Micro-Molecular laboratories
Analysing the diversity and responses of micro-organisms
Vehicle and mechanical engineering workshop
Discover how our vehicle fleet is prepared for polar service
Roadmap to net zero
25 January, 2023 by David Wilkins
Here at British Antarctic Survey, we recently opened our doors to over 40 companies in science, technology, and green innovation to help us make the next steps in reaching net …
Drilling for success
29 January, 2019 by Michael Dinn
In January 2019 a science and engineering team drilled over two kilometres through the ice sheet in West Antarctica using hot water. It was the first time they had done this …
Blog: The artistry of Antarctic logistics
6 December, 2018 by Stephen Smith
Earth’s Final Frontier – the title given to the frozen continent by journalists and academics alike, and with good reason. Antarctica stands resolute and alone, separated from mainland South America …
Blog: A female engineer’s life at BAS
26 June, 2018 by Nopi Exizidou
On National Women in Engineering Day, BAS energy engineer Parthena Exizidou explains what her job entails and why she loves engineering.
SCIENCE IN THE LAB: From the Polar Plateau to Cambridge
19 October, 2017 by Holly Winton
A new blog from Polar Atmospheric Ice Chemist Dr Holly Winton, who is part of the ISOL-ice research project, explaining the process from fieldwork on the Polar Plateau to laboratory work …
ANTARCTIC BLOG: preparation is everything
15 February, 2016 by Huw Griffiths
As the days count down towards departure the dreams about forgetting my passport at the airport become more frequent. My office in Cambridge is a long way from the Antarctic …
Labs in Antarctica and Cambridge Receive Sustainability Award
19 January, 2022
Scientific labs at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in their Cambridge headquarters and at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica have achieved a sustainability award from the Laboratory Sustainability Efficiency Assessment (LEAF) …
Diversity in Polar Science – Race Impact survey report
4 March, 2021
Findings from a polar science Race Impact Survey are reported this week (4 March) by the Diversity in Polar Science Initiative (DiPSI). The Survey, carried out during October 2020, generated …
British Antarctic Survey response to COVID-19
6 April, 2020
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Our organisation continues to function well in spite of most of our staff working from home. Science and support teams who have completed summer fieldwork are currently being repatriated to UK.
British Antarctic Survey archives awarded United Nations recognition
9 June, 2018
A collection of reports and photos from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), documenting the UK’s leading role in the modern era of Antarctic exploration, is being inscribed onto UNESCO’s UK …
Fungi respire millennium-old carbon from Antarctic soil
30 May, 2018
Fungi in Antarctic soils release carbon that is more than a thousand years old, a team led by scientists at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has found. This discovery sheds light on how carbon is released into the atmosphere as polar regions warm.
Honorary appointment for BAS Director
12 December, 2017
Professor Dame Jane Francis is appointed Chancellor at University of Leeds
Double New Year Honours for British Antarctic Survey Directors
31 December, 2016
Two leading polar scientists at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have received awards in the 2017 New Year Honours list from Her Majesty the Queen. BAS Director, Professor Jane Francis, …
New study puts shells under spotlight
11 November, 2016
A new study on how molluscs build their shells in the sub-zero waters of Antarctica is published today (Friday 11 November) in the journal Scientific Reports. A team of European …
Ancient ice inspires Royal College of Art glass artist
8 October, 2016
Data as art captivates a London audience
Protecting the Antarctic Environment: 25 years on
4 October, 2016
Celebrating 25 years of environmental protection in Antarctica
Antarctica’s hidden world revealed at New Scientist Live
22 September, 2016
Research beneath Antarctica’s vast ice sheets has revealed mountain ranges the size of the Alps, lakes bigger than Windermere, rivers, streams and ancient volcanoes. But why should we care? Professor …
British Antarctic Survey seeks construction partner
28 April, 2016
Opportunity to partner with BAS to deliver a construction programme to modernise UK Antarctic and other research facilities.
On the ice opportunity for PhD students and Early Career Researchers
7 April, 2016
16 PhD students and Early Career Researchers have a unique opportunity to gain practical skills for working safely and effectively in the polar regions.
NEWS STORY: Antarctic memories online
10 December, 2015
The British Antarctic Oral History Project is the result of a collaboration between the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), BAS Club, UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), and Scott Polar Research Institute …
NEWS STORY: Tender to construct Aurora Cambridge
20 August, 2015
Tender for the construction and fit of a new Innovation Centre at British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge
NEWS STORY: New website
28 July, 2015
Welcome to our new website! We’ve given our website a makeover so that you can find everything you need or want to know about polar science and operations. There are …
NEWS STORY: NERC placement offered
6 May, 2015
NERC Research Experience Placement 2015 A Research Experience Placement supported by EnvEast DTP and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is available at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) this …
NEWS STORY: 2nd award for BAS manager
5 February, 2015
Long serving BAS manager awarded second honour Mike Pinnock, one of the British Antarctic Survey’s longest serving managers, has been awarded a Second Clasp by HM The Queen. The Second …
PRESS RELEASE: Sea urchins adapt
10 December, 2014
Sea urchins from Antarctica show adaptation to ocean acidification A study of sea urchins from the Antarctic Peninsula has revealed an ability to adapt to changing conditions such as rising …
NEWS STORY: Dick Laws
9 October, 2014
Tribute to former Director of British Antarctic Survey It is with great sadness the British Antarctic Survey reports that Dick Laws died on Monday 6 October 2014 aged 88. He …
NEWS STORY: BAS in university collaboration
29 September, 2014
Stronger together: Addressing global issues through thriving collaboration between University of Cambridge and British Antarctic Survey The challenges our planet is faced with require innovative approaches. To increase the impact …
NEWS STORY: TELLUS launches its data
20 May, 2014
The Tellus South West survey project proudly launches its new maps and data on the 20th May at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth. The project has mapped the soils, rocks, landscape …
NEWS STORY: Pass the panda for Earth Hour
28 March, 2014
BAS staff support WWF’s Earth Hour with cuddly friend! This Saturday, 29 March, is WWF’s Earth Hour. Earth Hour aims to focus the world’s attention on the planet and the …
NEWS STORY: New Year’s Honour
9 January, 2014
New Year’s Honour for BAS Head of Operations John Hall, Head of Operations and Logistics (OPAL) at BAS, was among those named in the New Year’s Honours List. He was …
NEWS STORY: Design opportunity
13 December, 2013
Architectural design opportunity – British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has advertised an opportunity to design and deliver a new Innovation Centre at its Cambridge offices. The commission …
NEWS STORY: Scientists contribute to oral history
3 December, 2013
Voices of Science: a new British Library oral history archive A major oral history project to gather the life stories of British scientists has culminated in the launch of a …
NEWS STORY: Understanding food webs
13 September, 2013
Research on the dynamics of food webs The dynamics of food webs, networks of who-eats-whom interactions, are being highlighted in the August report of International Innovation, an open access European …
NEWS STORY: Evaluation shows BAS in good light
5 August, 2013
Independent evaluation of British Antarctic Survey research excellence The outcome of an independent evaluation of the research excellence within NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) Research Centres is published today. The …
PRESS RELEASE: Antarctic crabs could be native
3 July, 2013
A new study has cast doubt on the claim that crabs may have disappeared from Antarctica only to return due to warming seas. The theory surfaced two years ago following …
NEWS STORY: BAS ranked highly by Nature
21 June, 2013
BAS rated highly in research institution rankings NERC’s British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and National Oceanography Centre (NOC) both feature among the world’s top 100 Earth and environmental science institutions, according …
NEWS STORY: Children film at BAS
29 May, 2013
Kids present online TV show about British Antarctic Survey School students Dominic and Hanaa visit British Antarctic Survey to find out about climate change – watch their interview with meteorologist …
NEWS STORY: Tributes to ozone hole expert
13 May, 2013
It is with great sadness the British Antarctic Survey reports that Joe Farman died on Saturday 11 May 2013. He was 82. Joseph Charles Farman CBE, together with colleagues Brian …
NEWS STORY: BAS’ new Director appointed
21 March, 2013
Professor Jane Francis has been appointed as the new Director of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Chief Executive of the Natural Environment Research Council, Duncan Wingham said, “I am delighted …
NEWS STORY: Bedmap opens up Antarctica
8 March, 2013
Bedmap2 gives scientists a more detailed view of Antarctica”s landmass Scientists at the British Antarctic Survey have been working with a host of international collaborators to present the most detailed …
NEWS STORY: New post for oceans expert
7 February, 2013
Professor Michael Meredith joins the Scottish Association for Marine Science Eminent Antarctic oceanographer, Professor Michael Meredith this week joined the staff at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) on …
NEWS STORY: Awards to BAS staff
16 January, 2013
Polar medals awarded to three BAS staff Three British Antarctic Survey staff have been honoured with the Polar Medal. The Queen approved the awards for outstanding achievement and service to …
NEWS STORY: Celebrating Antarctica Day
27 November, 2012
Antarctica Day was inaugurated in 2010 to celebrate the 1st December 1959 signature of the Antarctic Treaty, which was adopted “with the interests of science and the progress of all …
NEWS STORY: Consultation on merger proposal
11 September, 2012
NERC consultation on proposal to merge BAS and National Oceanography Centre (NOC) The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is undertaking a consultation exercise on a proposal to merge two of …
NEWS STORY: BAS involved in NASA mission
30 August, 2012
British Antarctic Survey scientists involved in NASA ‘space weather’ mission WASHINGTON — NASA’s Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP), the first twin-spacecraft mission designed to explore the Earth’s radiation belts, launched …
NEWS STORY: HMS Protector open to public
6 August, 2012
Royal Navy’s Antarctic patrol vessel, HMS Protector, pays a four-day visit to Ipswich The Royal Navy’s 5000 tonne Antarctic patrol vessel will sail into Ipswich on Friday (August 10) for …
NEWS STORY: Antarctic conservation issues
13 July, 2012
Challenges facing the future of Antarctica A century ago, Antarctica was one of Earth’s last frontiers, but now the continent is under threat from human activity. An international team of …
NEWS STORY: Merger plans for centres
7 June, 2012
Governing body considers combined management of polar and marine science The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is considering a merger of the scientific and logistics management of marine and polar …
Raising the flag to celebrate the return of the sun
4 August, 2011
Staff at British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station recently raised the Union flag to mark the first sighting of the sun again after several weeks of continual darkness. The sun …
Data as Art: POLAR AESTHETICS
British Antarctic Survey has an ongoing science & art collaboration with Royal College of Art PhD candidate Wayne Binitie. Wayne has visited BAS a number of times to develop his …
British Antarctic Oral History Project
Capturing the reminiscences and memories of those involved in British polar science
Cambridge HQ Decarbonisation
We are working on a raft of measures to reduce our carbon emissions at our Cambridge Headquarters, including installation of solar panels on the car park and roofs of buildings, and adding insulation to our Logistics building.
Discovery Metadata System
A web-based system to discover polar datasets collected by UK-funded scientists
IceNet
IceNet is a probabilistic, deep learning sea ice forecasting system developed by an international team and led by British Antarctic Survey and The Alan Turing Institute [Andersson et al., 2021]. …
KRILLBASE
KRILLBASE is a data rescue and compilation project which aims to improve the availability of information on two of the Southern Ocean’s most important zooplankton taxa: Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) …
PRESCIENT
PRESCIENT (UK Polar Research Expertise for Science and Society) is a joint programme between BAS (British Antarctic Survey) and CPOM (the Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling). The programme supports …
SO-AntEco Biodiversity
In this collaboration with the Natural History Museum (NHM) and the University of Liverpool, we have developed novel methods for using existing data to contribute to marine conservation and fisheries …
South Georgia seabirds from space
Globally-important populations of seabirds breed at South Georgia. However, human-induced impacts have led to the decline of many seabird populations. Four species of albatrosses and white-chinned petrels have shown persistent …
The evolution and ecology of Antarctic sea floor communities
The evolution and ecology of Antarctic sea floor communities is a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, led by Dr Rowan Whittle, looking at the past, present and future of life at …
Towards Net Zero Carbon
Our strategy and work streams to meet Net Zero goals
Transformation
Realising the benefits of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation programme.
