Successful applicants will have been prepared through specialized study, training, or experience in polar-related topics. Scientist Scientific opportunities in Antarctica center on terrestrial and marine biology, medical research, meteorology, glaciology, the earth sciences, the ocean sciences, atmospheric physics, and astronomy. Eligibility generally is limited to U.S. scientists with advanced degrees, who initiate proposals that are submitted by their employing organizations. Graduate students are not encouraged to submit research proposals, but are welcome as members of research teams. Scientist's assistant The scientist who submits a successful proposal typically is authorized to assemble a research team to help implement his or her project in the field.
Preference is given to graduate and undergraduate students in the pertinent scientific discipline.
Although assistants usually are chosen from within the scientist's organization, a well-qualified individual may be successful in joining the team. The Foundation's WWW site list recent awardees and provide descriptions of their research. Inquiries should be directed to the awardee, not to the Foundation. Because of the far flung and difficult environment of Antarctica, the program has many people in support roles. These people operate stations, laboratories, machinery, helicopters, and research ships, build or renovate facilities, maintain vehicles, outfit field parties, and manage camps.