THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLAR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE (SAPRI)
Credit: Andrew McDonnell (NSF)
Internationalisation-Collaboration-Integration-Optimisation-Innovation
• South Africa is in a unique position: not only is it flanked by two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic, but it is also very close to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
• Because it is so stormy, the Southern Ocean is one of the most understudied in the world, even though this is where scientists think we will see the fingerprints and drivers of climate change.
• It is the only ocean surrounded by other oceans, and is known as the “lungs” of the world’s oceans.
• Oceans are also playing an important role in Operation Phakisa, the government’s plan to use the oceans and coasts to boost South Africa’s economy and create employment.
• The country also has extensive marine and Antarctic social infrastructure, and this facility will expand on the infrastructure and bolster the country’s ability to conduct scientific investigations and collaborate internationally in this under-researched part of the world.
South Africa Marine and Antarctic Research Facility
October 2016
SAPRI
South Africa’s Polar Research Infrastructure
2017 -
(approved) 2021
Bay ice (Antarctica) – ALSA archive
The SAPRI objectives ● The ultimate objective of SAPRI is to enable balanced research growth across the polar disciplines , and to maintain and
further expand the world-class long-term observational datasets already established
● Polar research is built on infrastructures of various sizes, which result from several investment cycles and are custodied by
different players. SAPRI aims at maximizing the return on investment through the concurrent exploitation of
infrastructures for operational and scientific needs
● SAPRI will transform the access to, and perception of, the South African polar regions for technicians, engineers,
scientists of all disciplines, learners and students, government, private business and civil society
● The SAPRI will directly benefit the governmental strategies for Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands through enhanced
science production and international standing The SAPRI is
designed as a
consortium hosted at the South African Environmental
Observation Network (SAEON), which has proven experience in managing
infrastructures
The SAPRI integrated facilities
Coordination and Logistics
Hub of the consortium hosted by SAEON. Runs the
administration and the communication with the integrated facilities. Users and stakeholders access the various components of SAPRI through the hub. Operates in close coordination with SANAP-Science and SANAP- Logistics.
Handles the logistic of the science–driven SA Antarctic expeditions and the
collaboration with international partners.
Manages the National Antarctic Data Centre (processing and archival of essential
variables from the different streams, relationship with international repositories). Develops new communication technologies, digital twins, dashboards and products for downstream uptake and impact studies.
Data and communication Outreach, training
and society
Represents the human, policy and socio-economic component of the program. The portfolio includes outreach, awareness, dissemination, human aspects of Antarctic research, support to ATS policies and representation in scientific international bodies.
Manages joint capacity building programs (e.g. SEAmester).
Suite of specialized temperature-
controlled and sub-zero laboratories for sample processing, experiments,
calibration and instrument design, with ad hoc equipment/gear for ice research.
Stores medium and long-term specimens and geological samples
Polar Lab
Long-Term Observations Ocean (LTO-Ocean)
Ensures the continuity of the established long-term observation networks in the Southern Ocean, sea ice, deep ocean sites and the overlying atmosphere. Maintains the scientific oceanographic equipment for shipboard sampling and moorings. Develops innovative observational devices and communication. Manages specialized equipment and technicians for deep-sea, seafloor and under-ice exploration, ocean mapping and deep-sea underwater research
Long-Term Observations Land (LTO-Land)
Ensures the continuity of the established long-term observation networks on the sub- Antarctic islands and Antarctic continent and ice shelves. Maintains scientific
equipment/gear for land-based observations and coordinates the supporting personnel.
Develops innovative observational devices and communication. Manages logistic equipment for scientific research at SANAE IV and Marion Island.
Proposed SAPRI Advisory Structures
Consortium Partner reps, Governmental Depts, SAPRI
Manager
Scientists of high international standing, international experts, other RIs reps
Terrestrial, ocean, cryosphere, social, space
and atmospheric scientists and users SANAP-Logistics, SAPRI
MT, COMNAP rep, PEIAC rep, technical members (ship, helicopters, base management, etc.)
Custodian departments Joint DSI/DFFE steering
committee (independent of SAPRI)
Task Teams as
needed, eg SAAGII
TT
SAPRI Management
Acting Manager – Dr Juliet Hermes
LOGISTICS
Operations Coordinator – Nish Devanunthan
DPS LTO-Land LTO Ocean POLAR LAB
The SAPRI organigram
DFFE
Key priorities
● TRANSFORMATION :
Need to focus on engaging PDI, response to mentorship program - 22 potential mentors but
limited transformation mentors; 6 applications to become mentees, 3 good candidates. Hopefully working with the transformation audit team, ALSA and Phuhlisa and the advisory panel.
● A Three-prong Transformation Plan:
● PDP Accelerator Program
● Transformation Mentor Program
● Consultancy on Transformation
● Rolling out MoUs with for integrated facilities and with contributors
● Setting up SANAP coordination Committees, Scientific Panel, User fora
● Science engagement, communication, innovation and integration and sustainability of
● ALSA Engaging at the international RI and Polar level
From the SAPRI document: The research design of the SAPRI, and thus the use of the infrastructure, will be advised by the Scientific Steering Committee who will be informed by the individual thematic User Fora. These fora will advise on priorities for infrastructure in current use, planned usage, standardisation, maintenance and calibration schedules, etc. Critically, these fora will also advise where new technologies needed for the SAPRI are being developed or where focus needs to be placed in achieving research goals set forth by the community. SAPRI will foster interdisciplinary fora with various skills to find solutions with out-of-the-box thinking.
The SAPRI Scientific Panel(SSP) is assisted by four thematic User Fora, one for each of the SAPRI scientific pillars namely LTO Land, LTO Ocean, Polar Lab and DPS. This apparent separation of the community of practice is implemented in recognition of the specific requirements of the multiple disciplines involved in polar sciences and served by the RI. This division is however not prescribed and joint meetings of the Fora are encouraged to enhance interdisciplinarity and shared use of resources. The Fora will have at least one annual meeting, with the addition of ad hoc meetings that will be advertised on the RI web site and mailing list. Participation will be open to all current and prospective users. The SAPRI Coordinating Officers will each chair their respective user forum.
The User Fora will be able to advise SAPRI management on availability and feasibility of additional infrastructures for take-over or research cruises, or whether SAPRI own infrastructures may be used for other EEZ related endeavours or on international polar expeditions, should requests arise.
Role of User Fora
DPS
DATA MANAGEMENT
Data Centre (SAEON)
Products
Digital Antarctica
Stations
Vessels
Other
Communication Technology
Stations
Vessels
Society
Infrastructure: (ALSA)
