michaelhbt t1_je94deo wrote on March 30, 2023 at 9:22 AM

Beyond the science and into the funding, which nations are doing a good job of polar, particularly Antarctic research and which aren't doing such a good job? And is there much hope for privately funded research or is it still too expensive?

APECS_Polarscience OP t1_je96emu wrote on March 30, 2023 at 9:52 AM

Many nations are involved in polar research. In Antarctica, more than 40 countries operate research stations across the continent. Some of the countries producing the most Antarctic science, I would say, are (not in a particular order) Germany, United Kingdom, United States, and Australia which all have very large and active Antarctic research programs and infrastructure. However, there are a lot of other countries with dedicated Antarctic research programs and vessels too like South Korea, France, Italy, etc.

There are some private endeavors in polar research still, despite the expense! Some companies like National Geographic, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and others support Antarctic research. There are also a lot of efforts in Antarctica for citizen science in collaboration with tourist ships which are also a private source of "funding" for research.

michaelhbt t1_je94nw0 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 9:26 AM

And a followup - how are you treated as scientists in each program, is it the same all around or are some more everyone is equal and others have a bit more segregated?

APECS_Polarscience OP t1_je96vke wrote on March 30, 2023 at 9:58 AM

It is difficult to compare all of the programs since each country has its own customs and culture. One of the greatest parts about polar science is that the research community is very diverse! You don't have to live in or be from the Arctic (or even remotely near Antarctica) to do research there. The Arctic, is a little different from the Antarctic since it is home to many Indigenous Peoples. However, many research programs, especially in Canada, now include Indigenous Peoples in the research process and incorporate Indigenous knowledge into science, policy, and management through respectful partnerships.

I'm not sure if that got to the root of your question so feel free to ask more follow up if not!

michaelhbt t1_je97ux2 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 10:12 AM

thats excellent, I guess I am interested to hear about the culture that science exists in, the diversity that exists on polar stations and ships is nothing like you would experience in say a research vessel off a reef, being more isolated and extreme environment (analogous to a space station in some ways) and I wondered if that was something you noticed or saw being across all of polar research environments or if it varies much across environments?

APECS_Polarscience OP t1_je9awih wrote on March 30, 2023 at 10:50 AM

Being in isolated and remote places like at the poles definitely presents its own challenges in research. Being on a research vessel or research station means you live and work with the same group of people for weeks to months on end. Psychologically, it can be difficult to handle. For Antarctic research stations in particular, this is something that is considered before allowing scientists to overwinter, for instance. For those who were in the field during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a bit apocalyptic to be hearing news of a global viral outbreak while isolated in the middle of the Arctic or Antarctic! Most researchers I work with, however, LOVE the lifestyle of time in the field and at sea. You get to go to some of the most remote places and see things few people on the planet get to experience.

I think like most things in life, the experience on a research ship or station depends on the people. In my experience, people are very creative with finding was to keep entertained when you can't simply go out downtown for dinner with friends or see the newest movie in the cinema. If you have a good group of people to work with, the experience will be fun, productive, and respectful (i.e., less hierarchical). But authority is also an interesting experience on ships in particular. The scientists on board only control the science. The captain and crew are responsible for safe navigating, etc. We still adopt some of the historic dynamics of seafaring which was very hierarchical. The captain is the ultimate authority.

In short, being on a research ship or a research station is certainly a very interesting social experiment!