Logistics Support Request
Logistics support requests
Researchers who plan to undertake fieldwork in Antarctica must obtain research funding through a peer reviewed application process, with a science funding body. Researchers must also apply for logistics support to operate in Antarctica as a part of the Antarctica New Zealand science programme. This is managed by Antarctica New Zealand through the logistics support request process. This process must be started at least one year before the proposed fieldwork in Antarctica, and in accordance with the timelines below.
Applicants who require logistics support from Antarctica New Zealand are encouraged to contact our Senior Science Programme Advisor Esme Robinson, early in the proposal development phase. This is necessary to discuss the supportability of the proposed science, prior to submitting any funding bid. Requests for logistics support received less than one month prior to submission of a funding application will not be considered.
Research funding
There are a number of ways that scientists can access funds for the research component of their work, to cover costs such as salaries, equipment, analyses and consumables. These include funds from government agencies such as MBIE, MPI, and the Marsden Fund. Antarctica New Zealand awards postgraduate scholarships annually in order to support the next generation of Antarctic researchers. For more information, please contact Jordy Hendrikx, our Chief Scientific Advisor.
Logistics support
One of Antarctica New Zealand’s core functions is to support science in Antarctica by providing logistics support for programmes with research funding. Researchers apply for logistics support from Antarctica New Zealand by completing a Logistics Support Request form at the same time as preparing an application for research funding. Antarctica New Zealand evaluates the logistical feasibility, alignment with Government science priorities, alignment with currently supported research, environmental impact, policy outcomes and outreach opportunities of the proposed research through a formal review process. Feedback from the review process is provided to applicants.
For more information on the Logistics Support Request process, and to obtain the Logistics Support Request template please contact our Senior Science Programme Advisor Esme Robinson. Final approval to conduct activities in Antarctica will be considered by MFAT based on the information presented in the Logistics Support Request, and any further information requested by Antarctica New Zealand.
Important dates
Planning Antarctic fieldwork is complex and requires coordination with a number of partner organisations including other National Antarctic Programmes, aircraft providers and the New Zealand Defence Force. Successful programme delivery relies upon timely preparation, communication and discussion of field plans. It is essential to contact Antarctica New Zealand early in the development of research proposals to facilitate successful planning of Antarctic fieldwork. Logistics Support Requests must be received by Antarctica New Zealand no later than 30 September in the year prior to the first planned Antarctic field season
(for example 30 September 2024 for deployment in the 2025/26 season). Note that for large/complex field programmes a longer lead in is recommended to ensure successful field planning. Some research funding streams have additional key dates linked to Logistics Support Request submission. Please contact our Senior Science Programme Advisor Esme Robinson for further information.
Budget information
This budget information is provided to assist with your research grant application planning. Please note the following are a guide only, it is recommended that costs are discussed with our Senior Science Programme Advisor Esme Robinson in advance of budget submission.
Antarctica New Zealand will provide:
- Flights to and from Antarctica for team personnel and cargo (usually from Christchurch, however there are rare occasions when a team may travel to Antarctica from an alternative departure point). Note large cargo may be required to travel by ship.
- Antarctic clothing.
- Accommodation at Scott Base as per the agreed deployment plan.
- Transport to field sites in Antarctica.
- Field food, fuel, tents etc.
- Sample return from Antarctica to Christchurch.
All applicants are required to pay for:
- A pre-deployment medical and dental examination for every team member travelling to Antarctica. The requirements for these examinations, and associated cost, vary depending on field location, duration of visit and other factors. Please discuss with the Antarctica New Zealand Senior Science Programme Advisor.
- Transport to and from Christchurch for your whole team (note there are rare occasions when a team may travel to Antarctica from an alternative departure point). Delayed departure / arrival from Antarctica may result in additional costs and should be planned for.
- Cargo delivery to Christchurch pre-deployment, and from Christchurch to home destination post-deployment (including sample return).
- Accommodation and meals in Christchurch (note flight delays for travel to Antarctica are very common, so assume changes in deployment dates when preparing your budget).
- $130 per person daily charge, for every member of your team, for every day they are in Antarctica (note delays for return flights from Antarctica are very common, so assume changes in return dates when preparing your budget).
Some applicants will also be required to pay for:
- Pre-deployment training for your team e.g. for work on glaciated terrain.
- On-ice field safety personnel to join your field party.
- Specialised imagery for some field locations.
Conducting fieldwork on behalf of others
Conducting fieldwork on behalf of others is a way of reducing environmental impacts, while adding value to science research and developing collaborations, without significantly increasing logistics requirements. Fieldwork conducted on behalf of others can take many forms, such as collecting samples and returning them to New Zealand or installation and maintenance of equipment. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will need to satisfy operational, environmental, legal and science requirements in order to be supported. Please contact our Senior Science Programme Advisor Esme Robinson for further information on this topic.
