British Antarctic Survey

British Antarctic Survey
AbbreviationBAS
Formation1962
Legal statusGovernment organisation
PurposeScientific research and surveys in the Antarctic, Arctic & related regions
HeadquartersCambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Region served
United Kingdom
Director
Professor Dame Jane Francis
Parent organisation
Natural Environment Research Council
Budget
£48,053,000 (2011–12)[1]
Staff400+ staff
Websitewww.bas.ac.uk Edit this at Wikidata

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is the United Kingdom's national polar research institute. It has a dual purpose, to conduct polar science, enabling better understanding of global issues, and to provide an active presence in the Antarctic on behalf of the UK. It is part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). With over 400 staff, BAS takes an active role in Antarctic affairs, operating five research stations, one ship and five aircraft in both polar regions,[2] as well as addressing key global and regional issues. This involves joint research projects with over 40 UK universities and more than 120 national and international collaborations.

Having taken shape from activities during World War II, it was known as the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey until 1962.

  1. ^ "Business Plan 2011" (PDF). British Antarctic Survey. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 July 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  2. ^ "BAS Vision and Mission". British Antarctic Survey. Retrieved 30 March 2021.