NewzVille Desk
Antarctica, No words are sufficient enough to describe the dreamland. If you do love adventure, nature, and challenges you must go on an expedition called Antarctica. Every moment in the snow-clad areas are full of mysteries and to be remembered for long. If you want on a mission for research here, it is.
The 45th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (45-ISEA) is scheduled to be launched in October-November 2025, and the proceedings are being initiated through invitation for innovative research proposals. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, is the nodal agency for the implementation of the Indian Antarctic Program.
The 45th ISEA embarks on a new journey of scientific research with a focus on “Climate Change and its signatures in Antarctica”. NCPOR welcomes long term innovative scientific proposals in thematic areas and its sub-themes in different disciplines.
The 43rd scientific expeditions to Antarctica have been successfully completed, and the 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) is currently underway.
Scientific Programs to be executed at Antarctica for the 45th ISEA with various thematic research areas like Climate Processes and Linkages to Change, Crustal evolution, Environmental Processes and Conservation, Ecosystem of Terrestrial and Nearshore, Observational Research.
NCPOR operates two-year round stations in Antarctica, which are ~3000 km apart.
MAITRI Station (700 45’58”S; 110 43’56”E)
It is located in Schirmacher Oasis, Central Dronning Maud Land. It is an inland station nearly 80km from the edge of the Lazarev ice-shelf (Indian Barrier for Ship).
Maitri is connected by intercontinental flight between Cape Town and Novo airfield (near Maitri station: approx. flying time is 6 hrs). Maitri can be reached as early as late October or early November by intercontinental flight. Flight timings and dates can be advanced/postponed subject to weather conditions in Antarctica. The Voyage Vessel reaches Maitri (India Bay/Lazarev Sea) tentatively during the first week of March.
In winter around 25 Expedition members for long term can be accommodated in the main building of Maitri station and in summer 40 to 60 members can be accommodated.
BHARATI Station (69°24.41’S, 76° 11.72′ E)
It is located in North Grovnes Island, in Larsemann Hills along the Ingrid Christensen Coast and off Prydz Bay. It is located off the Quilty Bay (~ 200 m from the coast).
Bharati is connected by intra-continental flights viz., Basler/Twin Otter aircraft (12-seater). Flights operate between Novo Airfield and Zenit Airfield (near Bharati Station).
The first flight to Bharati can be expected around mid-November. The flying time between Novo and Progress takes approximately 8-10 hrs, with a mid-way stop for fueling. The seating may vary depending on passengers and cargo.
These flights are very expensive and need prior planning for the availability of aircraft and midway refuelling. Currently, there are no direct chartered flights between Cape Town and Bharati. Bharati by air is connected only via Maitri. The Indian Voyage Vessel reaches Bharati in the first/second week of January.
In winter around 24 and in summer around 47 members can be accommodated in Bharati Station.
Internet connectivity and e-mail facilities are available at both stations. Currently, both stations Maitri and Bharati are supported by high-speed internet.
For participating in the 45th ISEA, the proposer of the scientific project i.e. the Principal Investigator (PI) – should be a regular employee with expertise in the relevant field.
The proposal has to be submitted through the online submission portal only which can be accessed here (http://isea.ncpor.res.in/). The last date for submission of an online proposal is 21 February 2025.
Proposals are invited for both short-term (summer) and long-term (winter) for Bharati (Larsemann Hills), Amery Ice Shelf/Lambert Glacier, Maitri (Schirmacher Oasis) and Voyage Route.
After due submission, the proposal will be reviewed by Subject Experts for preliminary screening.
I was working as chief editor at Afghanistan under UN for Afghan national army and US army projects