by Ria Olivier | Sep 9, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Gough Island, News, Research, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAE IV, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Science, SEAmester, Southern Ocean, Stations, STEM
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF).
NRF SAEON celebrated its 21st anniversary on 7 September 2023. See the event programme below.
It is inspiring to see what SAEON has achieved over 21 years. “SAEON encompasses seven Research Nodes throughout South Africa and a National Office that is located in the country’s political capital of Pretoria” (Read more about the nodes here).
SAEON manages three research infrastructures developed by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) as part of the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR). The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) is one of the three research infrastructures, and was established in 2021 (see the SAPRI timeline here). The SAPRI hub is located in the SAEON Egagasini Node offices in Cape Town.
The SAEON Egagasini Node and SAPRI team at the NRF SAEON 21st Anniversary. Video: click on the image.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 09 September 2023
by Ria Olivier | Jul 17, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Gough Island, Marion Island, Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Islands, Research, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, STEM, sub-Antarctic
In 2015, The Department of Science and Technology (DST) facilitated the first dedicated oceanographic winter expedition on the S.A. Agulhas II from 23 July – 14 August 2015. The success of this expedition and others that followed demonstrated the need expressed by the wider marine and Southern Ocean research community and has prompted the DSI to secure funds for additional dedicated research expeditions in 2024, 2025 and 2026. The number of dedicated research expeditions will depend on the need expressed and the funding available. The core objective is to develop a comprehensive marine and Antarctic research expedition plan for 2024-2026, underpinned by the Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy (MARS) and contributing to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Sciences for sustainable development. These dedicated research expeditions will not only encompass oceanography but will provide research opportunities for marine-related and South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) –related research.
MARS was developed to provide a platform from which to coordinate marine and Antarctic research. The assumption is that improved coordination of a currently fragmented science system will improve returns on investment. Structured planning and a guided strategic focus will maximize human capital development and bring South Africa to the international forefront of knowledge production in these research areas. From this will follow innovation, increased international influence, and ultimately, economic growth.
The NRF and the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) have been tasked with coordinating various activities that will feed into improved planning and coordinating of marine and Antarctic research activities. As such, the NRF together with SAPRI would like to maximise on the opportunities for dedicated expeditions based on research community needs to enable long-term planning for expeditions, including sourcing funding for such expeditions. Dedicated expeditions may be implemented in periods where the S.A. Agulhas II is available. The schedule for the annual relief voyages indicate periods when the S.A. Agulhas II is not available (relief voyages for Antarctica, Marion Island and Gough Island). The direction (expedition transects), duration (including number and types of stations) and research focus of each dedicated research expedition would then be decided on by the DSI, together with the NRF, based on such variables as proposed participation, research area alignment, MARS theme alignment, contribution to the Ocean Decade and overall return on investment (data collection and capacity development.). To this end, SAPRI can support the costs of any in person meetings required to discuss collaborative research expeditions.
It should be noted that the attached annexure may change depending on the activities of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). For example, an emergency may require DFFE to deploy the S.A. Agulhas II to enable the Department of Public Works to do building maintenance and repairs at any of the three bases. As such, all potential dedicated expeditions will need to be approved by the DFFE before final planning can begin.
Please complete the template and return to tj.klarenbeek@risa.nrf.ac.za no later than 15 August 2023. The completed templates will give an indication of research community demand. More detailed research plans will be requested hereafter.
Expression of interest – dedicated S.A. Agulhas II voyages
Text: Expression of interest, Participation in dedicated research expeditions 2024, 2025, 2026. Tracy Klarenbeek, Director: Knowledge Advancement and Support (KAS), National Research Foundation (NRF), Research Innovation Support and Advancement (RISA).
by Ria Olivier | Jul 12, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Gough Island, Marion Island, News, Research, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic
The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) is getting a corporate identity (CI).
The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) is one of 13 large Research Infrastructures (RIs) developed by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) as part of the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR).
The SAPRI was established in 2021 to ensure coordination of South African marine and Antarctic research as a national Big Science programme, providing seamless access to existing and new research infrastructure required to develop and enhance long-term observations of South Africa’s polar region.
The ultimate objective of SAPRI is to enable balanced research growth across the polar disciplines, and to maintain and further expand the world-class long-term observational datasets already established.
The SAPRI is designed as a consortium hosted at the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), a long-term environmental observation and research facility of the National Research Foundation (NRF).
The SAPRI logo
The first step of the SAPRI CI was the design of a logo. The CI vendor has worked with a somewhat complicated brief, making sure that the CI is inclusive of marine and polar (land and sea), not focusing on one specific aspect within SAPRI.
The brief furthermore included:
- Transforming, strengthening and consolidating SA’s marine and polar sciences.
- Recognisable, professional and accessible.
- Pride in SA’s involvement in marine and polar research.
SAPRI logo rationale:
The graphic element in this logo is a representation of SAPRI’s infrastructural support to research on both land and at sea.
While the top part is representative of land features of Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands (e.g. ice, mountain), the bottom section represents water, or the ocean, as well as the shape of South Africa as seen on a map. In addition, the simplistic lines used to form the water is a rudimentary representation of data and the continuity of research.
To make for a versatile logo, transferable to different materials and backgrounds, various modifications can be used.
The main logo will have the colours of the South African flag incorporated.
Full colour versions (horizontal, vertical or in a circle):
Black versions (horizontal, vertical or in a circle):
White versions (horizontal, vertical or in a circle) – to be used on a full colour backgrounds:
Read more about SAPRI here.
Note that the SAPRI website is currently in the design and development phase.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 12 July 2023
by Ria Olivier | Jun 21, 2023 | Antarctica, Gough Island, International Days, Marion Island, Midwinter, Overwintering Team
We wish the South African team on Antarctica (SANAE 62), Marion Island (Marion 80) and Gough Island (Gough 68) a Happy Midwinter!
See midwinter greeting cards from the stations below.
Antarctica, SANAE 62
Marion Island, Marion 80
Gough Island, Gough68
VIDEOS:
Follow APECS South Arica on Instagram for video interviews from Antarctica, to be posted throughout this week.
The first interview is with Dr. Abby Paton, Medical doctor at SANAE IV.
Scan the QR code below on click on the image to watch the interview.
by Ria Olivier | May 4, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Gough Island, Legacy, Marion Island, News, Prince Edward Islands, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAE IV, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Southern Ocean
Dear Colleagues,
As I prepare to turn the page of a decade-long chapter of managing Operations and Infrastructure Support for Antarctica and Southern Ocean work and move on to new horizons, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Working together in enabling South Africa’s presence in this unique and challenging environment has been an unforgettable experience that has enriched my life in countless ways.
The extreme conditions and remoteness of the environment have demanded the best of me, and I am incredibly proud to have been part of it all. It sometimes felt like dealing with the logistical complexities of supporting Marine and Antarctic activities were the same as navigating the harsh ice conditions. We have faced and overcome numerous challenges as a team. Even though we may not have agreed on everything, the bonds we have built and the memories we have made will always hold a special place in my heart. I am truly grateful for the friendships, support, agreements and disagreements we have shared.
I am also deeply appreciative for being entrusted to manage South Africa’s presence in these pristine environments, and to have personally witnessed the beauty and wonder of Antarctica, Marion Island and Gough Island. The rough seas, breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and understanding that there is so few which get this opportunity, have left an indelible mark on me, and I will forever cherish these memories.
As I move on to new endeavours away from the Ocean and Polar space, I will carry with me the valuable lessons I have learned especially when dealing with an unpredictable environment – the importance of adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and tenacity. The various curveballs and unexpected challenges have made me more resourceful in finding solutions. I am confident that the skills and experience gained will serve me well in my future pursuits.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering support, dedication, and friendship during my tenure in the Antarctic and Marine space. I will always treasure the memories and the connections made, and I wish you all the very best in your ongoing work in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean or wherever your paths may lead you.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, and please stay in touch.
With deepest gratitude,
Nish Devanunthan
Former Operations Coordinator: South African Polar Research Infrastructure (2022 to 2023)
Former Director – Operations and Engineering: South African National Antarctic Program (2013 to 2022)
Farewell gathering at SAEON Egagasini Node end of April 2023
Message from the SAPRI Team:
Even though Nish was with SAEON and SAPRI for only 9 months, he left a great legacy and managed to really ramp up the operations within SAPRI. He has a fountain of knowledge on Antarctica and Islands, DFFE, the S.A. Agulhas II and supply chain management, yet he still has a great sense of humour and commitment to action in the face of bureaucracy.
Nish, fair winds and following seas, we have the watch (although might ring you every now and then!).
SAEON Egagasini Node and SAPRI Team (L-R) Back: Simoné Louw (Node Administrator), Laura Braby (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), Saffiya Seddick (Seamap Coordinator), Juan-Jacques Forgus (Technician), Nicole du Plessis (Science Officer), Arno Botha (PhD Student), Zach Smith (Systems Developer), Nkululeko Memela (Operational Ocean Modeller); (middle) Lara Atkinson (Offshore Marine Scientist), Jennifer Veitch (Numerical Ocean Modeller), Anne Treasure (SAPRI DPS Node Manager), Anche Louw (SAPRI Digital Marketing and Communications Manager), Daneeja Mawren (Postdoctoral Research Fellow); (front) Juliet Hermes (SAEON Egagasini Node Manager and SAPRI Manager), Nish Devanunthan (Former SAPRI Operations Coordinator) and Thomas Mtontsi (Science Engagement Officer).
Feature Image: Nish Devanunthan at the South African National Antarctic Expedition Station, SANAE IV.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 04 May 2023
by Ria Olivier | Mar 9, 2023 | Announcement, Gough Island, Jobs, Overwintering Team, SANAP, Stations, Team member
Join the 69th Gough Island Overwintering Team!
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is looking for suitable candidates to join the 2023/2024 Gough Island team.
The team will depart (on the research and supply vessel, S.A. Agulhas II) to Gough Island in September 2023 and return in October 2024.
Positions to be filled:
- Communications/Electronics Engineer
- Diesel Mechanic
- Electrician
- Medical Orderly
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 20 March 2023
Click on the link below to view the positions to be filled.
SANAP JOBS
Read more about Gough Island!
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), 09 March 2023
