How will Ukrainian scientists gain access to the polar infrastructures of other countries and host foreign colleagues at Vernadsky and Noosphere within the framework of the POLARIN project? This was discussed during the first founding meeting of the project, held in Bremerhaven, Germany.
It is implemented within the framework of the EU Horizon Europe program and includes 50 organizations from different countries engaged in research in Antarctica and the Arctic. Ukraine is represented by the National Antarctic Science Center.
POLARIN is dedicated to access to polar infrastructures and brings together the following:
- 38 polar stations, of which 11 are Antarctic, including the Ukrainian station “Akademik Vernadsky”;
- 12 polar research vessels, including our flagship Noosphere;
- 18 observatories, 4 repositories and 7 databases.
To provide access to these infrastructures, three scientific project calls will be held within POLARIN. The first will take place in 2025.
Researchers will be required to present their scientific program with justification for why it should be carried out at this particular station or vessel. Next, winners will be selected, who will receive access to the appropriate infrastructure at the expense of EU funds.
Such competitions will be repeated in 2026 and 2027.
It is important that grant recipients will receive training with information on obtaining special permissions for research, safety precautions, rules for the use and dissemination of scientific information.
Representatives of NASC took part in the meeting and presented our research infrastructure.
“We are very pleased to join this unprecedented opportunity to explore both polar regions. For Ukraine, this is also an opportunity to attract additional funds to its Antarctic program,” said Evgeniy Diky, director of the Center.
All information about the further implementation of the project and upcoming competitions will be posted on the website and social networks of the NASC.