The future polar explorers of the thirtieth Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition took part in a training camp in Kyiv. It took place on November 19-26, 2024, at the National Ecological and Naturalistic Center for Student Youth.
A total of 26 participants joined the training: 20 men and 6 women candidates for the main and reserve teams of the 30th UAE.
We remind you that recently the annual expedition has included 14 winterers. These are scientists in the fields of biology, meteorology, geophysics, as well as a doctor, a cook, a system administrator, a diesel engineer, and a mechanic.
Life and work in the Antarctic
During the week, the applicants gained the knowledge and skills necessary for a long life and work in Antarctica.
In particular, they learned in detail about the main areas of research, the distribution of responsibilities at the station, its history, legal aspects of activities in the Antarctic, safety, ethics of communication in the expedition, etc. Experienced polar explorers shared their experience with newcomers.
At the same time, the participants got to know each other and practiced teamwork. The life of the team was as close as possible to life at Vernadsky: everyone stayed together, performed duties on duty, and the candidates for cooks prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
The training camp was traditionally held under the guidance of Andrii Zalizovsky, an experienced winterer, head of the 15th UAE and head of the Department of Geospace Radiophysics at the Radio Astronomy Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Participation of specialists in the selection
Specialists from the Institute of Neurology, Psychiatry and Narcology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine also joined the training. They conducted individual interviews with participants and observed them during self-presentations.
Separately, they conducted a physical fitness test and a thorough medical examination.
All the information received will be taken into account by the Selection Committee to decide on the final composition of the expedition.
The departure of the 30th UAE to Antarctica is scheduled for the spring of 2025.
We remind you that for six years in a row, the National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine has been holding an open competition for wintering in the Antarctic. Anyone can apply for it.
