New Laboratory opens in Antarctica
British Antarctic Survey
A new £3 million laboratory was opened at the British Antarctic
Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station on Saturday. Many of the
scientists and support staff at the station were present for the formal
opening ceremony by Natural Environment Research Council Chief Executive,
Professor John Lawton, who unveiled a plaque.
The new Bonner Laboratory replaces the research facility destroyed by
fire in September 2001. It took two years to complete building with a
team of 29 contractors. Scientists can now use state-of-the-art working
areas including laboratories, offices, an aquarium and a dive facility
complete with recompression chamber.
BAS biologists have worked hard to minimize the disruption to their research
programmes in the last two years. Temporary facilities have been in place.
Long-term biological monitoring that contributes to our understanding
of global change can now continue unaffected.
The Bonner Laboratory is made with fire retardant timber and features
a sophisticated fire alarm and sprinkler system.
The building work was completed by early December 2003. Over the last
month scientists have installed scientific kit delivered by the BAS ship
– the RRS James Clark Ross, which arrived at Rothera on 5 December.
The opening ceremony involved the unveiling of a plaque by Professor
John Lawton. BAS Director Professor Chris Rapley was also present.
Rothera Research Station is one of five operated by British Antarctic
Survey. Situated on the Antarctic Peninsula, it is the centre for biology,
geoscience and atmospheric science programmes. The BAS 2003-04 field season
is currently underway.
British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research
Council and is responsible for the majority of
the UK Government’s research in Antarctica.
For more information about the British Antarctic
Survey and the Rothera Research Station look at
our website www.antarctica.ac.uk
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