17 September 2025: Postcard from Rothera Research Station
The British Antarctic Survey's (BAS) wintering team continues to make progress on our new science and operations facility, the Discovery Building at Rothera Research Station, Antarctica. The building is coming into operation as part of a long-term programme of modernisation at Rothera, our largest station on the continent.
Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), as part of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), the station has seen a significant public-funded investment for the future of polar science in the region.
The teams have been busy over the past few months during the Antarctic winter to complete crucial infrastructure improvements. Here is a run-down of some of the progress on Rothera Research Station's new Discovery Building:
Interior decoration
The large Field Preparation area has been decorated with the west side of the room now fully complete. During August, work began on the east side of the room (snagging, filling and sanding). Wilson, our plasterer, and decorator has spent his first Antarctic winter ensuring the field preparation area is ready in advance of the field teams arriving for the summer season beginning in October. This is when the station gets remarkably busy with our science and operations in Antarctica!
Lighting, snagging, and lagging…
Scott, 'wintering' for a second year at Rothera, has been progressing the electrical works throughout the new Discovery Building. An additional bay of lights has been installed in the Plant room/Energy centre, climbing wall and training platform.
The building has been designed with health and wellbeing as key priorities. The climbing wall serves dual purposes, accommodating both training exercises and leisure activities to support competence and capability as well as fitness and health for all users. Meanwhile, the platform at mezzanine level is dedicated exclusively to training activities by the field team. This specialised space can be used for various training scenarios, such as simulating crevasse rescue operations.
As with all building projects, there are snags that need to be sorted out before the building can be fully handed over. Scott has been busy rewiring some items and fixing switches over the last month.
The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system is part of our new energy centre with an energy efficient network of pipes and cables. It has an important role in powering the whole station. It was important to focus on pipe and duct lagging this season - this prevents heat from escaping and gives us greater operating efficiency. The labelling of pipework was also completed over the last month.
Leisure time
During the long dark Antarctic winter, it's important to make time for leisure activities that everyone can enjoy. The multi-talented team have managed to put on musical performances for colleagues across the station. We discovered that Darren, our plumber, not only has great skills in pipe lagging but in playing guitar too…
Working in Antarctica
We employ experts from a wide variety of professions to work with us in Antarctica, keeping everyone safe and supported as they carry out vital work in this special and remote environment.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Summer season
The team are busy ensuring the station's infrastructure is ready for the approaching Antarctic summer. Looking ahead the summer season will be busy with the formal handover of the Discovery Building to BAS - a pivotal moment for BAS and Rothera Research Station and a major milestone for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme.
About the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP)
The AIMP is a long-term programme to support the UK's polar research capabilities. The programme is delivered in partnership with construction partners BAM, Ramboll, Sweco, G&A Barnie Group, Turner & Townsend and Hugh Broughton Architects.
Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the AIMP will enable the UK to continue to deliver climate, biodiversity and ocean research and innovation in Antarctica.
Together with the commissioning of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, the AIMP represents the largest Government investment in polar science infrastructure since the 1980s.
