Berth Support to Antarctica through BAS

Background

YPASM is introducing Berth Support to Antarctica to encourage Malaysian researchers to conduct their research activities in Antarctica through a MoU signed between YPASM and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) over the period 2019-2024 and through collaboration Malaysian researchers established with any SCAR Member Countries.

Purpose of the Call

YPASM seeks for application from Malaysian researchers to undertake field work at BAS Signy Research Station, or any of their collaborator’s research stations in Antarctica for the 2024/2025 Antarctic summer season. 

The application is ONLY open to all Malaysian researchers from universities participating in the YPASM Smart Partnership Initiative, namely Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM),  Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), International Medical University (IMU), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) and Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP).

Offer details

A) Berth Support through British Antarctic Survey (BAS)

• YPASM will make an annual contribution of £32,000 to BAS for each Malaysian scientist visiting BAS Signy Research Station during the Antarctic summer session. One (1) Malaysian researchers are expected to visit the station every year.
• The works of the researcher would be based on activities at the stations and day trips form the station. Any activities extending beyond this (e.g. ship cruises, air support or extended field work periods away from stations) would require a separate financial contribution by the researcher, to be agreed in the LoU covering that specific project.
• Researcher should pay for the expenses as per below;
• Flights for Malaysian personnel between the UK and the Falkland Islands and/or Punta Arenas (in transit to/from Antarctica) at the BAS concession fare rate.
  • Travel and subsistence expenses for Malaysian personnel when in transit to/from Antarctica (e.g. in the Falklands/Punta Arenas) and when visiting or working at Cambridge or attending BAS courses in the UK.
  • Freight costs of all Malaysian equipment up to the point where the freight is embarked on a BAS ship or aircraft.
  • Hire of polar clothing required for station and field use.
• Planning Schedules for Malaysian participation in BAS Expedition 2024/2025 can be downloaded here (hyperlink to download).
• Applicants should be aware that there is currently very limited capacity for BAS to support additional Antarctic fieldwork projects. This is partly due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 outbreak, which has left BAS facing a backlog of funded projects which are waiting for BAS Antarctic logistics support. In addition to this, there are a number of ongoing Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation projects which will continue to take place over the coming years, further reducing capacity to support science fieldwork. Whilst BAS will aim to support fieldwork projects wherever possible, they cannot guarantee support for projects in the 24/25 season.

How to Apply:

Discuss project idea with BAS and submit BAS Pre-Award OSPQ. 

• Prospective researchers to discuss initial idea with potential BAS Co-Investigator. You may find them here, https://www.bas.ac.uk/people or contact amanda@ypasm.my and intan@ypasm.my should you need help with this.
• All applicants who’s intended to include fieldwork in the Antarctic (Signy Research Station) must complete a ‘Pre-Award Operational Support Planning Questionnaire (OSPQ)’ by BAS prior to the submission of application. To complete a new questionnaire, you may email the Polar Funding Office at BAS (afibas@bas.ac.uk) stating your name, institution and proposal title. They will set up a new questionnaire and send you the link along with instructions for completion.
• Pre-Award OSPQs feedback will be sent to applicants from NERC Head Office by 23 January 2025. Once approved, NERC will send you a PDF version of your ‘Pre Award OSPQ’ which must be included as an attachment for your application to YPASM.

Submit Project Proposal to YPASM. 

• If your Pre-Award OSPQ is approved, you may proceed to submit the required documents to YPASM via email to amanda@ypasm.my and intan@ypasm.my;

1. 1. LoU from BAS Co-Investigator(s)
   2. Approved Pre-Award OSPQ
   3. Project Objectives
   4. Project Funding

• Complete BAS Post-Award OSPQ. 

Applicants with Prioritised Project to complete Post-Award OSPQ with BAS Co-Investigator support.

YPASM Berth Support to Antarctica Recipients 2021/2022 

YPASM Berth Support to Antarctica Recipients 2019/2020 

YPASM Berth Support to Antarctica Recipients 2016/2017

YPASM Berth Support to Antarctica Recipients 2015/2016

YPASM Berth Support to Antarctica Recipients 2014/2015 

YPASM Berth Support to Antarctica Recipients 2013/2014