The British Antarctic Survey and its partners are launching a drawing competition for schools, to inspire the next generation of polar engineers, scientists and explorers.
School children between the ages of 8 and 15 years old can share a drawing of a polar research station and its surrounding environment, including any wildlife. Schools and teachers are encouraged to get their classes involved and send their entries to: [email protected] before midnight on 31 January 2023.
The winning entry will be framed for display in the new Discovery Building at our research station in Rothera, Antarctica. We will take photos of the winning entry alongside people who work at the station in a variety of roles - reminding people that many different career paths can take you to Antarctica!
The winner will also receive an online call from the construction team in Antarctica for them and their class. Once the construction team returns to the UK, they will also visit the winning school to talk about life and work in Antarctica.
The competition seeks to enthuse the younger generation about polar science, extreme engineering and innovative design. The Discovery Building has been designed to be as energy efficient as possible, and includes preparation areas for field expeditions, science workshops, offices, a medical centre, and recreational spaces. The pale blue colour of the building is inspired by the tones of the Antarctic sky.
Investing in Antarctic infrastructure means we can secure the future for the next generation of polar scientists. The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) is a long-term investment programme that has already delivered a new polar research ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough, an upgrade of the wharf at Rothera Research Station, and King Edward Point and Bird Island in South Georgia and modernisation of the research station at Signy.
The project includes specialists in sustainable engineering, including construction partner BAM, design consultants Sweco and Hugh Broughton Architects. Ramboll is acting as BAS's Technical Advisers, with their team NORR architects and Turner & Townsend.
The investment is commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and funded by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Important details about the competition:
- Please ensure that entries include the pupil's name, age and school displayed on the poster
- The panel of judges will include a variety of science, engineering, technology and maths (STEM) colleagues, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and BAM.
- The closing date is midnight on 31 January 2023.
- The winner will be announced in mid-February 2023.
