Polar Discoveries, Tropical Applications: Shaping Malaysia’s Sustainable Future Through Polar Research

Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan (YPASM) is pleased to announce the 2025 Call for Proposals with the theme “Polar Discoveries, Tropical Applications: Shaping Malaysia’s Sustainable Future Through Polar Research.”

As global attention on climate change intensifies, Malaysia faces significant risks if Antarctica’s ecosystems are not preserved, including rising sea levels and threats to biodiversity. In response, we invite proposals that explore how knowledge gained from polar research can directly or indirectly support Malaysia’s sustainable future and address our societal needs. The focus is on projects that aim to produce practical insights, whether the impacts are immediate or realised over time. Proposals supporting Malaysia’s ambition to establish our own Antarctic research station are also welcomed.

Key considerations to be included but are not limited to:

1. Research Impact: Demonstrate how findings from polar research can contribute to Malaysia’s sustainability/environmental protection/societal resilience.
2. Practical Applications: Highlight the potential for translating polar research into solutions for Malaysia’s environmental/technological/societal challenges.
3. SCAR: Applicants are encouraged to address key questions identified in SCAR’s Horizon Scan, wherever relevant and connect with international bodies such as the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) action/working groups.
4. Building on Past Research: Proposals can build on prior Malaysian polar research, utilising existing data, observations, and specimens collected during earlier expeditions.

YPASM seeks research that not only contributes to safeguarding Antarctica but also offers valuable insights to enhance Malaysia’s resilience to global environmental challenges. This grant will provide up to RM150,000 in total for a maximum duration of 36 months (up to RM50,000 per year).

Kindly note that application are open from 𝟏 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 – 𝟑𝟏 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Social Science and Policy Research in Antarctic Governance (up to RM50,000 in total)

Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan (YPASM) invites research proposals in the field of social science and policy, with a particular focus on governance frameworks for Malaysia’s engagement in polar research and the international Antarctic treaty. This call aims to support studies that can contribute to Malaysia’s role in Antarctic governance and policy development, including research that can be presented at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) or used to shape the Malaysian Antarctic law.

We encourage proposals that explore the following themes:

1. Legal Frameworks: Investigating Malaysia’s role in Antarctic governance, including recommendations for the implementation of the Malaysian Antarctic Bill and broader legal, scientific, and geopolitical reasons for Malaysia’s continued involvement in Antarctic research.
2. Policy Development: Creating policy frameworks that address critical issues such as environmental protection, sustainable tourism, and resource management in Antarctica.
3. Social and Geopolitical Implications: Investigating Malaysia’s involvement in Antarctic research and its contributions to international discussions, ensuring a strong rationale for Malaysia’s continued participation in Antarctic research and governance.
4. Educational and Technological Tools: Developing innovative tools to enhance public understanding of Antarctic governance and Malaysia’s role in polar research.

The research should highlight Malaysia’s active role in Antarctic research and governance, ensuring that policy recommendations support national priorities while fulfilling global responsibilities, thus reinforcing Malaysia’s continued involvement in Antarctica. This grant will provide up to RM50,000 in total for a maximum duration of up to 24 months.

For any inquiries, kindly contact Dr. Tamalia Amanda Putri /Mrs. Intan (amanda@ypasm.my /  intan@ypasm.my or 03 – 8886 1257).

Kindly note that application are open from 𝟏 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 – 𝟑𝟏 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓