Bridging Continents: Discussions between AARI, SANAP and SAPRI in Cape Town.
Antarctica, a pristine and remote frontier of scientific discovery, has long been a region of international interest for climate research, biodiversity, and understanding global environmental changes. In a recent meeting, held at SAEON Egagasini Node in Cape Town the event brought together South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) researchers and South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) personnel to discuss how we can collaborate with the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) to share resources, infrastructures and expertise to protect and study this unique region.
Attending in Person, Prof Juliet Hermes, Prof Marcello Vichi, Dr Anne Treasure, Ria Olivier, Dr Robyn Verrinder, Thomas Mtontsi, Steve Tebele, Jonathan Ward, Mark McKechnie, Rabia Mathakutha, Dr Sandy Thomalla, Dr Alexander Makarov, Dr Maxim Tatarkin
The meeting was focused on several aspects, including enhancing scientific cooperation in the Antarctic, and exploring ways to share logistical and research capacities. Both SANAP and AARI have a long history of involvement in Antarctic studies, and these discussions is a step forward in research and innovation collaboration.
The meeting was in hybrid format and was attended online by Dr Michael Kosch, Dr David Hedding, Dr Geoff Grantham and Yinhla Shihlomule
Dr Makarov introduced the activities, research and infrastructure of the AARI. He provided context to the visit and introduced AARI science and collaboration strategy. Highlights were the major directions of AARI are Meteorology, glaciology, Sea-ice research, Ice physics, ocean-atmosphere interaction, polar geography, geophysics, oceanography, interaction of ship hull with sea-ice, multi-year permafrost, hydrochemistry and hydrology of estuaries and water resources
Short presentations by the South African delegation with discussions followed (Presentations available on ALSA archive)
The in-person presenters that started the South African Discussions and presenatations: Dr Sandy Thomalla – SOCCO, Rabia Mathakutha – SAPRI, Ria Olivier- ALSA, Dr Robyn Verrinder-MARIS
The following presentations were done:
- SOCCO: South Africa’s ocean-climate science and innovation programme:
Taking ocean climate science to society. Sandy Thomalla. - The South African Polar Research Infrastructure. Rabia Mathakutha
- An Overview of the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Ria Olivier
- Antarctic MIZ Observations: Interdisciplinary approaches to resolve seasonal sea-ice variability. Robyn Verrinder
- Geology of Western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica – a brief history of Geological Evolution insights. Geoffrey Grantham
- SANAP Geological Research program 2024-2026 in western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. Geoffrey Grantham
- Landscape and climate interactions in the sub-Antarctic. David Hedding
- SuperDARN HF radar at SANAE, Instrument infrastructure for space weather research. Michael Kosch
- SANSA – Jonathan Ward
- BRICS-RELAY and Antarctica InSync. Marcello Vichi
Through collaboration, we are expanding our ability to understand and protect one of the planet’s most critical ecosystems as Antarctica holds answers to some of the world’s biggest environmental questions, and through collaboration, we can unlock those answers.”
Dr Makarov present a gift to Prof Juliet Hermes of the ice resistant platform ‘North Pole’
The discussion between AARI and SANAP and SAPRI signals a collaboration for Antarctic research, through shared resources, expertise, and data, both nations are poised to make significant contributions to global climate science. As the world watches the impacts of climate change unfold, this international collaboration offers hope for a deeper understanding of our planet and the preservation of its most fragile regions.
South Africa has long had an 
The project works together with scientific research but is focused on approaching the relationship between Africa and Antarctica from a different lens: creative, critical, historical, futurist; focused on questions of aesthetics, ethics, value, storytelling; and with the explicit intention to transform Antarctic participation in relation to race, class and gender.
In today’s rapidly evolving scientific landscape, research conferences serve as vital hubs for knowledge exchange, fostering innovation, and building collaborations across disciplines. The recent SCAR conference held in Pucon, Chile during August brought together leading scholars and emerging researchers from around the globe. The event was packed with groundbreaking presentations, hands-on workshops, and insightful discussions that highlighted the latest trends shaping the future of research.
Here’s a closer look at the highlights and takeaways from this year’s conference. (above: Session on sub-Antarctic was an all South African session)
Networking and Collaboration. Beyond the formal sessions, the networking opportunities were an integral part of the conference. Through social events, coffee breaks, and an industry exhibition, participants had the chance to connect with peers, potential collaborators, and mentors.
A departure ceremony took place at East Pier, Cape Town today. Mr. Rodgerson Hlophe(right) – Acting Director: Southern Oceans and Antarctic Support was the Programme director and introduce the takeover personnel and the Gough 70 overwintering team.
Acting Chief Director: Specialist Monitoring Services Ashley Johnson gave a farewell speech to GOUGH 70 overwintering team. and wishes them all the best for the time they will spend on Gough Island.
