British Antarctic Survey Staff Balance Festivities and Research This Christmas

Nearly 300 scientists and crew in Antarctica plan celebrations while continuing vital research in extreme conditions.

Around 300 British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff will spend Christmas across five research stations and aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough ship.
Festive activities include decorations, Secret Santa exchanges, and traditional meals, helping to foster a sense of community in isolation.
At Rothera Research Station, the UK’s largest Antarctic base, 150 staff will celebrate while also conducting research and operations, including launching meteorological balloons and deploying field teams.
On Bird Island, zoological field assistants will monitor wildlife such as wandering albatross eggs and fur seal pups, reflecting the ongoing demands of their work even on Christmas Day.
Satellite communications now allow BAS staff to call family back home at no cost, providing a vital connection during the holiday season.