The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) initiated the SCAR Fellowship Programme in 2002. The aim was to encourage the active involvement of early-career researchers in Antarctic scientific research and build new connections and further strengthen international capacity and cooperation in Antarctic research. Since the initiation of the program, more than 80 SCAR Fellowships have been awarded.
The SCAR Fellowship Programme is designed to encourage the active involvement of early-career researchers in furthering our understanding of Antarctica. The Fellowships enable early-career researchers to join a project team from another country, opening up new opportunities and often creating partnerships that last many years and over many Antarctic research seasons.
Some flexibility was introduced during the pandemic and this will continue. Applicants are able to propose partly or entirely remote Fellowships and, where issues later develop around travel or planned activities, SCAR will work with awardees to enable their fellowships to go ahead.
In 2023, as in 2022, additional funding is being provided by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation through the Polar Initiative. SCAR will therefore be awarding 4-5 Fellowships this year.
SCAR has been working for many years with the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to support talented early-career researchers, engineers, environmental managers, and other professionals to strengthen international capacity and cooperation in fields such as science support and facilitation, environmental management implementation, and climate, biodiversity, conservation, humanities, and astrophysics research by way of an annual funding opportunity. In 2019, these Antarctic organizations were joined by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which supports additional Antarctic-related fellowships.
As a thematic organization of the International Science Council (ISC), SCAR supports and adheres to the principles of its parent body, including the freedoms and responsibilities of scientists. The International Science Council promotes the idea that science is a common human endeavor that transcends national boundaries and is to be shared by all people. Scientific progress results from the global exchange of ideas, data, materials, and understanding of the work of others.
Benefits:
- Award of up to USD $15,000.
Eligibility:
- Must be a current Ph.D. researcher or within 5 years of finishing Ph.D.;
- Must be visiting an Antarctic research facility in or run by a SCAR member country, which is different from applicant’s (a) country of origin and (b) current country of residence;
- Must contribute to the objectives of one or more of SCAR’s science groups, including the Humanities and Social Sciences group, and/or the Scientific Research Programmes.
Application:
- Applications have to be made online through the 2023 SCAR Fellowship application form. (Available on the apply link)
