There’s still time for talented early career scientists and researchers to apply for the IAATO Antarctic Fellowship – but hurry, applications close on May 31.
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), in collaboration with the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) launched the search for the next $15,000 USD IAATO Antarctic Fellowship recipient on March 15.
The fellowship, funded by IAATO and now in its third year, is an investment in the professional development of talented early career scientists and researchers and aims to further the understanding of human presence in Antarctica.
Amanda Lynnes, Director of Environment and Science Coordination for IAATO, said: “Despite the challenges created by the pandemic, our mission continues as does our commitment to supporting early career researchers, so we are delighted to bring the fellowship back for a third year.
“We’ve been thrilled with the response in previous years but know this has been an uncertain time for many so don’t want them to miss this opportunity by assuming we’re not running the fellowship this year.”
The IAATO Antarctic Fellowship will enable early-career persons to work with a project team from another country, opening up new opportunities and often creating partnerships that last for many years and over many Antarctic field seasons.
The fellowship was launched in 2019, and allowed two recipients, both working on their PhDs, to pursue their research; Martina Mascioni from the University of La Plata, Argentina, analysing phytoplankton samples collected from IAATO vessels since 2017 by a citizen science project called FjordPhyto, and Daniela Cajiao Vargas from the Autonomous University of Madrid researching two different sectors of Antarctic travel to explore how visiting Antarctica affects one’s experience and understanding of the region.
Last year’s recipient, Miguel González Pleiter, from the University of Alcala, Spain will further his research on understanding the consequences of microplastic introduction to the Antarctic environment. In particular he will study microplastics in Antarctic freshwater to understand their role in potentially spreading antibiotic resistance genes in pristine ecosystems.
Martina said: “For me, as a PhD student, I see the IAATO fellowship as an excellent opportunity to learn new techniques, generate new connections, and work collectively with scientists from other countries. After all, what would Antarctic science be without the collaboration between countries?”
The deadline for applications is May 31, 2021.