Antarctica InSync

Antarctica InSync is a global scientific project that will synchronise research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The implementation and analysis phase will take place between 2027 and 2030, with joint field campaigns on land, at sea and in the air. The preparatory phase started in 2024. Antarctica InSync brings together the research themes of ice, ocean, climate and life. The aim is to better understand and protect this vital region.

The remoteness and extreme climatic conditions of Antarctica and the adjacent Southern Ocean continue to challenge international research, and in particular coordinated, synergistic observations. Meeting these challenges is beyond the capabilities and infrastructure of any single scientific programme or nation. The Alfred Wegener Institute has therefore joined forces with institutions from many different countries, including Australia, Canada, France, India and the United States of America, to pave the way for a broad-based research programme.

Other members from Antarctic research institutions, international scientific organisations, political stakeholders, NGOs, foundations and industry partners are welcome to join this effort. Together we can use our collective expertise and resources to improve the understanding, protection and management of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Field observations will cover all components of the Antarctic/Southern Ocean region: Ocean, Ice, Land, Atmosphere. They will also pay special attention to the unique biodiversity of this region and combine different strategies and technologies for observation, including process studies and remote sensing initiatives.

General coordination

Steering committee: Antje Boetius
Coordination: Diego Filun, Julia Regnery
International office: Nicole Biebow 
Science communication: Roland Koch

Science coordination

Ocean: Alexander Haumann (AWI/LMU), Hermann Bange (GEOMAR) 
Sea ice: Stefanie Arndt (AWI/UHH), Gunnar Spreen (University of Bremen)
Biology: Helena Herr (UHH), Bettina Meyer (AWI)
Atmosphere: Markus Rex (AWI), Andreas Macke (TROPOS)
Land/Ice sheet: Olaf Eisen (AWI), Alexandra Zuhr (University of Tübingen)
Palaeo climate: Frank Lamy (AWI)
Anthropogenic footprint: Ralf Ebinghaus (Hereon)
Modelling: Torge Marin (GEOMAR)
APECS representative: Lena Nicola (PIK)