Fellowship FAQs

Applicants should be citizens of an Antarctic Treaty country, and propose to undertake their project in, or in partnership with, an institution based in an Antarctic Treaty Party country.

A full list of Consultative and Non-Consultative Parties is available here: https://www.ats.aq/devAS/Parties?lang=e.

No. The fellowship supports the professional development of early-career individuals. You do not need to be enrolled in formal education, but you must meet the early-career criteria outlined in the application pack, including guidance on when your Antarctic-related career began.

If you are not currently enrolled, you must provide a reference (e.g. from an employer or supervisor) confirming that you meet the early-career criteria. Your relationship with your home institution must also be clearly explained in your application.
 

Yes.

Yes, as long as the applicant meets the criteria in the application pack and the proposed work supports research, education and/or outreach objectives. Projects developed primarily for commercial purposes will not be considered.

The fellowship typically begins following the annual announcement of the successful applicant (usually around September). Projects must be completed by December 31 of the following year, including the visit to the host institution.

Visits to host institutions typically last two to three months but it really depends on your proposed budget and project design.

Yes. A final report is required at the end of the fellowship period (December 31 of the following year). IAATO will provide a template to guide reporting.

A high-level summary of expenditure is also required. Reports are shared with IAATO members.

No, the project must be completed by December 31 of the following year.

No, the funds cannot be used to pay an IAATO operator for passage to Antarctica.

Funds cannot be used to pay for travel visas. These costs are expected to be covered by the home institute. 

Subsistence and international travel is expected to make up the bulk of your budget. You cannot pay an IAATO operator for a trip to Antarctica.

You can include research costs and consumables specific to the project. Fees to publish work or attend conferences/meetings may not be included.

The 'home' institute is expected to bear in-home-country costs (eg travel visa applications, travel on home soil to an airport, salary/wages, if any).

The 'host' institute is to waive any overhead fees relating to library or archive access, or lab/office space and/or field expenses. 

The funds are paid directly to the successful fellow. 

It is important to find a host that can help further your professional development, offering skills or experience not available in your current setting.

An IAATO operator may be a host institute for the fellowship, but the awarded funds cannot be used to pay the operator for travel to Antarctica.

To visit an Antarctic station, you would need references and a letter of support from the relevant National Antarctic Program. IAATO cannot arrange this. 

Yes, however your application must clearly demonstrate how the arrangement strengthens international collaboration and supports your personal development. 

Yes. Your most recent institute may act as your home institute provided your former employer/supervisor is willing to complete the home institute application form for you. 

The IAATO Secretariat reviews all applications for completeness and eligibility.

Eligible proposals are then evaluated by IAATO’s Science Support Working Group (SSWG). External experts may also be consulted, including from COMNAP and SCAR.

The SSWG and Secretariat make a recommendation to the IAATO Executive Committee, which makes the final decision.

Yes. However, applicants should review each programme’s criteria carefully, as they differ. IAATO may coordinate with COMNAP and SCAR during the selection process.

Joint fellowships are determined by IAATO and COMNAP. Applicants do not apply separately for joint awards.

Applications are assessed against a range of criteria, including:

• Overall quality of the proposal
• Feasibility within the proposed timeframe
• Contribution to the applicant’s professional development
• Contribution to international capacity-building
• Budget clarity and justification

Relevance to IAATO’s mission to advocate and promote the practice of safe, environmentally responsible Antarctic travel
Given the diversity of proposals, each application is considered on a case-by-case basis.

No.

No, this would not be arranged by IAATO. Applicants must clearly describe how such work will be undertaken and demonstrate that their home and host institutions are aware of and support these plans.

IAATO operators and their staff cannot conduct research on behalf of applicants.

No. All activities in Antarctica require an appropriate permit or authorisation from a relevant Competent Authority. Applicants are responsible for working with their home and host institutions to secure all necessary approvals and should clearly describe this in their application.