Canada is stepping up in Antarctic research to expand our knowledge of polar regions and support global efforts to protect these fragile environments.
A team of Canadian scientists is boarding His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke for a groundbreaking Antarctic research mission. At the same time, Polar Knowledge Canada is strengthening international collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH) for collaboration in polar science, as well as renewing the membership of the Canadian Committee for Antarctic Research (CCAR).
Canada is an Arctic nation with world-class expertise in cold-climate science, including marine, atmospheric, terrestrial and remote-sensing capabilities that are relevant to the Antarctic research community. Our scientists have a strong track record of working with global partners to study the polar regions.
Canadian Antarctic Research Studies
A team of 15 Canadian scientists are setting off from Punta Arenas, Chile, on February 23, 2025, for a month-long voyage to Antarctica as part of Operation PROJECTION 2025-01.
The Canadian research team will conduct research in the South Shetland Islands and the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. These open-water and coastal environments, which share similarities with the Arctic, provide a unique chance to study climate change, glacial retreat, distribution of species, ocean currents and pollution like mercury and microplastics.
On board are researchers from Natural Resources Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and five Canadian universities. They are supported with funding from Polar Knowledge Canada as well as key support from the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Joint Operations Command, the Royal Canadian Navy and the command and crew of the HMCS Margaret Brooke who have invited the scientific expedition on board.
The science program for the voyage has been developed through a collaborative effort between the Government of Canada's science-based departments the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR), a national academic network supported by the Strategic Science Fund. MEOPAR connects top marine researchers and highly qualified personnel across Canada with partner organizations and communities.
The Chief Scientist aboard the vessel is Dr. Thomas James, from Natural Resources Canada. He will lead the science program and management of the scientific activities on board HMCS Margaret Brooke with support from MEOPAR, which has developed mobile oceanographic laboratories designed to be taken on board vessels. MEOPAR is also organizing the academic participation in the science mission.
Memorandum of Understanding between Polar Knowledge Canada and Instituto Antártico Chileno
Polar Knowledge Canada and the Instituto Antártico Chileno confirmed their collaborative commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Punta Arenas, Chile, prior to the departure of the science team.
Chile is an active nation in supporting and conducting Antarctic research. The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation for polar scientific and technological research and logistical support over the next decade, leading up to the next International Polar Year 2032-33. Polar Knowledge Canada and the Instituto Antártico Chileno will work under this MOU to establish collaborative priorities and activities to advance shared research and capacity in polar science.
Canadian Committee for Antarctic Research
Part of Polar Knowledge Canada's mandate is to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge of the other circumpolar regions, including the Antarctic. Polar Knowledge Canada is Canada's adhering body to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research - the body that provides scientific advice to the Antarctic Treaty nations - and is a full member of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs.
To aid in these responsibilities, Polar Knowledge Canada convenes the Canadian Committee on Antarctic Research (CCAR). Today, Polar Knowledge Canada announces the renewed membership of 10 new members of CCAR.
The advisory group provides expert advice on matters related to the development and implementation of Canada's Antarctic Research Program as well as advises on opportunities to promote Canadian participation in Antarctic international scientific programs and related activities and promoting Canadian Antarctic Scholarship and Fellowship opportunities.
The new members are listed on Polar Knowledge Canada's website and include experts from government and academia across diverse scientific disciplines.
