Recommendations & Conclusions
8 items
9
Recommendation
3rd Report - The UK and the Antarctic e…
Accepted in Part
The UK’s expertise in polar science presents a valuable opportunity for strengthening international collaboration. We recommend expanding joint research efforts, particularly in areas such as marine conservation, land ecology, and ice sheet modelling. By contributing robust scientific data, the UK can play a pivotal role in shaping informed decisions on …
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation in part, citing current involvement in significant international science projects like Thwaites Glacier, BIOPOLE, and SWAIS2C collaborations. They state that any further expansion of these efforts will be contingent on future budget allocations.
14
Conclusion
3rd Report - The UK and the Antarctic e…
Accepted in Part
The accelerated melting of Antarctic ice is becoming one of the most significant drivers of global sea level rise, which poses an increasing threat to coastal communities worldwide, including in the UK. To enhance the accuracy of sea level rise projections and develop more effective climate adaptation and risk management …
Government response. The government partially accepts, acknowledging the importance of research and existing efforts, but states that any significant expansion of Antarctic research would depend on future budget allocations and other R&D priorities.
26
Recommendation
3rd Report - The UK and the Antarctic e…
Accepted in Part
To address this urgent gap, the Government should increase long-term core funding to the British Antarctic Survey to support its terrestrial biodiversity research. Investment should prioritise the recruitment, training, and retention of ecological specialists, ensuring sustained expertise in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems. (Recommendation, Paragraph 143) 98
Government response. The government partially accepts, explaining that Antarctic research priorities have evolved beyond traditional terrestrial ecosystems and that funding for talented researchers and competitive project grants is available through existing mechanisms like UKRI and NERC, but does not commit to increasing …
59
Conclusion
3rd Report - The UK and the Antarctic e…
Accepted in Part
The UK must be properly equipped to address the major research priorities in the polar regions. Antarctic research plays a critical role in advancing global understanding of climate change, ocean systems, and polar ecosystems, issues that affect lives and economies far beyond the region. Despite the UK’s world-leading capabilities, the …
Government response. The government partially accepts this conclusion, noting it has published guidance for awarding ten-year R&D funding to provide certainty to research organizations. It also highlights significant ongoing investments in Antarctic research and infrastructure by UKRI and NERC, including around £60 …
67
Recommendation
3rd Report - The UK and the Antarctic e…
Accepted in Part
Given the demonstrated success of bilateral funding agreements, such as those between UKRI-NERC and partners in the US, Brazil, Luxembourg, and Norway, we recommend that the Government work with the Natural Environment Research Council to expand these reciprocal arrangements. In particular, new partnerships should be developed with key polar research …
Government response. The government partially accepts the recommendation, noting existing strong partnerships with some listed nations (Australia, Germany, Sweden) and opportunities through Horizon Europe, but acknowledges that partnerships with South Korea and New Zealand are less developed.
69
Recommendation
3rd Report - The UK and the Antarctic e…
Accepted in Part
We recognise the importance of the Antarctica InSync programme, where 26 nations will collaborate during the 2028–29 Antarctic season to conduct synchronous climate measurements across land, sea, air, and space, with results presented during the International Polar Year in 2032–33. To ensure full UK participation and leadership in Antarctica InSync, …
Government response. The government partially accepts the recommendation, stating NERC is considering how the UK can best participate in Antarctica InSync. They highlight that NERC research institutes like BAS already receive long-term funding, suggesting existing mechanisms support some elements, but they do …
71
Conclusion
3rd Report - The UK and the Antarctic e…
Accepted in Part
We have heard strong concerns from the Antarctic research community about the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) shift to a “one ship plus” model and the reduction of the research fleet from two vessels to one. This has already led to substantial delays to Antarctic marine research projects, and we …
Government response. The government partially accepts the recommendation, defending the RRS Sir David Attenborough's operating model which uses its increased capacity for both scientific and logistical activities efficiently. They state that the UK already uses a flexible approach, including chartering other vessels, …
72
Conclusion
3rd Report - The UK and the Antarctic e…
Accepted in Part
By 2030, the Natural Environment Research Council should conduct a comprehensive review of the “single vessel plus” policy, evaluating its impact on Antarctic and Arctic marine science, particularly regarding the delays to approved research projects. The review should focus on optimising the use of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, assessing …
Government response. The government partially accepts, detailing existing annual and long-term review frameworks (like the Cruise Programme Review Group, CPEB, and BAS forward looks) that already address aspects of science delivery, scheduling, resource allocation, and alternative vessels. They do not commit to …