Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean play such an important role in the Earth system that Antarctic research is essential for ensuring a sustainable future. SCAR‘s vision is to lay the foundation for a better future through Antarctic research. Through scientific research and international collaboration, SCAR aims to achieve a comprehensive understanding of

• the nature of Antarctica
• the role of Antarctica in the Earth system
• the nature and impacts of environmental change and human activities on Antarctica.

SCAR’s main objectives are to ensure that Antarctic research is effectively promoted and supported worldwide, and that its results are appropriately communicated to society and policy makers. To improve the flow of information to all interested researchers and policy makers and to promote inter- and transdisciplinary exchange, SCAR’s work in 2017 – 2022 will focus on five key areas:

SCAR is an international non-governmental organization of the ISC family (ISC= International Science Council), and develops, coordinates, and promotes international research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and in the role of Antarctica in the Earth system.

SCAR is also a scientific advisor to Antarctic Treaty Parties and other organizations such as UNFCCC and IPCC on science and conservation issues affecting Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Successful collaboration of Antarctic research began in the International Geophysical Year 1957/58. Subsequently, SCAR was founded in February 1958 to continue the collaboration with a permanent international forum.
The Federal Republic of Germany signed the Antarctic Treaty in February 1979 and has been a member of the Consultative Round since March 1981. SCAR recommendations become binding on member countries when they have been adopted by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Round.

As part of SCAR, there are: