A fresh contingent of scientists has successfully deployed at Zodiac Station, the British South Polar Agency announced today.
The new arrivals were welcomed by the Overwinterers, a five-man crew who have kept Zodiac Station running through the long Arctic winter. Four of the crew will remain at Zodiac for the next two months to hand over operations and ensure a smooth transition towards the summer season.
The new Base Commander is Dr Francis Quam, a veteran zoologist, who relieves Dr Sean Kennedy. Dr Kennedy remains at Zodiac as Station Doctor. Other scientists on the Spring Crew include Professor Martin Hagger of Cambridge University, renowned author of the 'Cold Genesis' theory of early evolution; Professor David Ashcliffe from the University of Bangor, a world leader in polar bear conservation efforts; Dr Annabel Kobayashi, Dr Fridtjof Torell and Dr Robert Eastman. They are accompanied by thirteen lab technicians and students. The experiments they will conduct at Zodiac over the coming months include work on the shrinking Arctic ice-pack, glacial retreat, and atmospheric physics relating to the aurora borealis.
Base Commander Dr Francis Quam said: 'It's an honour to be taking charge of Zodiac Station. Although I have over fifteen years' experience in the Antarctic, this is my first expedition to the "other end", and I relish the challenge. I'm certain 2014 will see another successful season at Zodiac.'
Christian Mellor, Chief Executive of the British South Polar Agency, said: 'Although new to the BSPS family, Zodiac Station has a venerable history, and is a key part of our mandate to deliver excellence in polar research. In the coming months, these world-class scientists will be addressing some of the most important questions facing our planet.'
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Notes to editors:
Zodiac Station is a scientific research station on the Arctic Island of Utgard. It was founded in 1957 to take part of the International Geophysical Year. In 2012, responsibility for Zodiac Station was moved to the British South Polar Agency in Norwich, following a governmental reorganisation.
The station is on the island of Utgard, the most northerly permanently inhabited land on the planet. Due to an historical anomaly, the island exists outside of national borders and is guaranteed by international treaty. Britain administers the station on behalf of the scientific community.
For immediate release
The new arrivals were welcomed by the Overwinterers, a five-man crew who have kept Zodiac Station running through the long Arctic winter. Four of the crew will remain at Zodiac for the next two months to hand over operations and ensure a smooth transition towards the summer season.
The new Base Commander is Dr Francis Quam, a veteran zoologist, who relieves Dr Sean Kennedy. Dr Kennedy remains at Zodiac as Station Doctor. Other scientists on the Spring Crew include Professor Martin Hagger of Cambridge University, renowned author of the 'Cold Genesis' theory of early evolution; Professor David Ashcliffe from the University of Bangor, a world leader in polar bear conservation efforts; Dr Annabel Kobayashi, Dr Fridtjof Torell and Dr Robert Eastman. They are accompanied by thirteen lab technicians and students. The experiments they will conduct at Zodiac over the coming months include work on the shrinking Arctic ice-pack, glacial retreat, and atmospheric physics relating to the aurora borealis.
Base Commander Dr Francis Quam said: 'It's an honour to be taking charge of Zodiac Station. Although I have over fifteen years' experience in the Antarctic, this is my first expedition to the "other end", and I relish the challenge. I'm certain 2014 will see another successful season at Zodiac.'
Christian Mellor, Chief Executive of the British South Polar Agency, said: 'Although new to the BSPS family, Zodiac Station has a venerable history, and is a key part of our mandate to deliver excellence in polar research. In the coming months, these world-class scientists will be addressing some of the most important questions facing our planet.'
[ends]
Notes to editors:
Zodiac Station is a scientific research station on the Arctic Island of Utgard. It was founded in 1957 to take part of the International Geophysical Year. In 2012, responsibility for Zodiac Station was moved to the British South Polar Agency in Norwich, following a governmental reorganisation.
The station is on the island of Utgard, the most northerly permanently inhabited land on the planet. Due to an historical anomaly, the island exists outside of national borders and is guaranteed by international treaty. Britain administers the station on behalf of the scientific community.
For immediate release
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