Antarctic research stations to get £100m upgrades

The UK’s Antarctic research stations are to get £100 million of upgrades. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) announced the investment to modernise the sites after the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) […]

The UK’s Antarctic research stations are to get £100 million of upgrades.

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) announced the investment to modernise the sites after the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) commissioned the move.

The money will be spent improving a number of different research stations in the region but will focus on the Rothera Research Station, which is to become home to the RSS Sir David Attenborough.

Funding will pay for an enhancement of the existing wharf at the site to allow the research vessel to properly moor up, as well as an overhaul of general equipment, facilities and living quarters.

The support is expected to transform the UK’s polar and climate change research by allowing more ambitious exploration into previously untapped areas.

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “Key to the long term success of science and innovation in the UK is ensuring our world-class research sector has the tools it needs to thrive on a global stage.

“The government’s £200 million investment on specialist research ships including RRS Sir David Attenborough underlines our commitment to this burgeoning sector and our upcoming industrial strategy will go even further, placing science and innovation at its absolute core.”

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