The move confirms NERC’s recognition of the growing importance of the Arctic for UK science and its economy as well as the geopolitical significance of the region, a press release from NERC reads.
Until now UK Arctic research has been led by individual researchers located across a wide range of research institutes. The NERC Arctic Office has been created to strengthen the support of UK research effort. It will build on the expertise provided through NERC’s existing Arctic operations, which involve research funded by NERC through universities and its own research centers.
The success of the just-ended International Polar Year showcased how international cooperation can take research forward in leaps and bounds, and played a part in the decision to open the office. Hosted by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in Cambridge, the office will help UK researchers get access to essential Arctic infrastructure, such as polar research ships and aircraft operated by BAS and the UK Arctic Station at Ny Ålesund, Svalbard, which is managed by BAS.
The new office will also manage a recently-signed agreement between the governments of Canada and the United Kingdom that aims to facilitate joint research programs and the sharing of polar logistics, ships, aircraft and station facilities in both the Canadian Arctic and Antarctic. It is anticipated that the office will help establish agreements with other polar nations to improve access for UK researchers to other areas of the Arctic.
