iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 23/09/2026

What links Antarctic adaptation to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease? The answer is in the cells from some very cool fish 🐟 Scientists from British Antarctic Survey and @ceb.cam.ac.uk have just looked inside living Antarctic fish cells for the first time... 🧵 1/8

1163

Reposted by British Antarctic Survey 🐧

Communications Biology @commsbio.nature.com · 21/09/2026

Satellite observations reveal five newly identified emperor penguin colony sites suggesting that colonies are dynamic relocating over long distances in response to changing ice conditions @ptfretwell.bsky.social @bas.ac.uk www.nature.com/articles/s42...

nature.com

Dynamic emperor penguin colonies - Communications Biology

Satellite observations reveal five newly identified emperor penguin colony sites, suggesting that colonies are dynamic, relocating over long distances in response to changing ice conditions and reshap...

0136

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 18/09/2026

Shhh, try not to disturb this sleeping crabeater seal as you pass. She's a rare first visitor for Bird Island Research Station (a sub-Antarctic island). They normally prefer pack ice near the Antarctic continent and rarely travel this far north! Girl, that's a big journey. Let 👏 her 👏 nap 👏

A dozing crabeater seal, photographed by Katherine Thomas who is a seal scientist at Bird Island Research Station

16712

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 17/09/2026

Hundreds of whales strand on a remote beach – and no one notices for months. Strandings can be an early warning system for ocean health, flagging pollution, disease, and environmental change. But in remote areas, they often go unseen. 🐳 🧵1/2

A diagram showing satellite images of whale strandings on a beach.

13918

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 15/09/2026

“We shouldn’t just cry into our beer about it. We should actually try and do things about it." ☝️ BAS' Professor Michael Meredith for @newscientist.com. He's talking about the impact of El Niño on marine ecosystems - how we should be acting now to build resilience and protection approaches. 🧵 1/3

King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) on the beach of the French sub-Antarctic Kerguelen Islands in the Southern Ocean (Photo by Annette Scheffer)

12510

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 07/09/2026

What's the training like for work in Antarctica? And why does it involve a ceidilh? Think new starter induction, extreme edition. It's preparation for the jobs, emergencies, practicalities and peculiarities of working in one of the world's last great wildernesses ⬇️ www.bas.ac.uk/blogpost/ins...

bas.ac.uk

Pre-deployment: inside the training to work in Antarctica - British Antarctic Survey

Before travelling to work in Antarctica, new recruits take part in two weeks of Pre-Deployment Training. This is a new starter induction that really counts.

0203

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 04/09/2026

It’s Pre-Deployment Training Week ❄️ Meet the people heading South to live and work on our Antarctic research stations. There’s a lot to learn before they go – from understanding how our stations operate, to first aid and biosecurity. Good luck for the season ahead!

A big group of people pose for a photo in a garden with a blue building and large crest in the background

1295

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 25/08/2026

Kveðja frá Íslandi! This weekend, in partnership with the British Embassy Reykjavik and the Science Technology Network, we welcomed diplomats, policymakers and guests from academia and business on board RRS Sir David Attenborough.

A large group of people on the Bridge of a ship

1153

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 13/08/2026

Totality in Greenland on RRS Sir David Attenborough ☀️🌙 The GIANT expedition team were lucky enough to be in the path of the total eclipse in Greenland. It was a view so good we rang up our friends at RAL Space to share it with the 1000+ people at their eclipse event in the UK.

019548

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 05/08/2026

Our director Jane will be co-hosting an event tomorrow at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) to mark the 125th anniversary of Captain Scott’s British National Antarctic Expedition, which saw the discovery of the South Magnetic Pole and reached a new 'furthest south'. Tickets still available ➡️

120

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 31/07/2026

We’ve been papped… By a satellite! 🛰️ The RRS Sir David Attenborough is visible in some of the latest Sentinel-2 images of Greenland, as was spotted by some of the eagle-eyed team onboard.

1255

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 29/07/2026

Boaty McBoatface has returned from its first expedition under glacial mélange! Our friends at @noc.ac.uk sent the UK's favourite submarine on a 23hr mission from the RRS Sir David Attenborough. This data will help show how Greenland's glaciers interact with the fjords and oceans.

06817

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 21/07/2026

What if the ocean current keeping Britain warm started to slow down? ☔ The AMOC acts like a giant conveyor belt, moving heat from the tropics to our shores. Models predict that the AMOC could slow down or collapse – potentially leading to new extremes in weather. 🧵1/2

59033

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 16/07/2026

Today, the RRS Sir David Attenborough set sail from the UK 🚢 bound for Greenland as part of the GIANT project – an ambitious mission to study how rapidly melting fjord glaciers are affecting Atlantic currents, climate, and wider marine ecosystems. #ArcticResearch #ClimateScience 🧵1/4

14713

Reposted by British Antarctic Survey 🐧

Adv. Atmos. Sci. @aasjournal.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Winter Storm Fern hit 230M+ Americans. Cost? Over $100 billion. Scientists say better polar winter data could help predict events like this. Here's what needs to change: doi.org/10.1007/s003... #AAS #PolarWinter #ExtremeWeather #ClimateScience @bas.ac.uk

093

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 01/07/2026

Congratulations to Prof. Pete Convey, terrestrial ecologist at British Antarctic Survey, awarded the 2026 SCAR Medal for Excellence in Antarctic Research! 🎉 SCAR awards this medal annually for significant contributions to Antarctic research. #PolarScience #Antarctica 🧵1/2

A scientist wearing a black coat and blue hat with a camera around his neck on the deck of a ship with Antarctic mountains in the background.

1355

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 25/06/2026

Happy #InternationalDayOfTheSeafarer to our brilliant crew on board RRS Sir David Attenborough. Our mariners work in one of the world's most challenging oceans. Crossing the Drake Passage & navigating sea ice, icebergs & unchartered waters is all in a day's work for them. 📸Rich Turner, BAS

0335

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 24/06/2026

Look, we're SWEATING in Cambridge today. But down at the UK's largest Antarctic research station, our team are also experiencing a heatwave. It's midwinter on the Antarctic Peninsula: it should be -15°C to -20°C at the moment. It's -2°C. There's almost no sea ice, and there has been rain.

35231

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 15/06/2026

Extreme weather is making headlines – and record winter warming is being felt in Antarctica. 🧊🌡️ 🧵1/5

A group of people stare up at a giant iceberg

12211

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 13/06/2026

In the depths of polar winter, our Antarctic teams have been quietly preparing for World Cup glory. England and Scotland – the reinforcements are ready ⚽ Far from home. With you in spirit. Good luck from the bottom of the world! #FifaWorldCup2026 #Antarctica

16916

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 10/06/2026

Can AI help us study one of the most challenging environments on Earth? As London Tech Week is shining light on the use of AI in society, find out how we’re using it to monitor the polar regions and the environment. This is AI for good. #AI #MachineLearning #polarregions #environment

290

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 09/06/2026

The new Discovery Building is now fully operational at Rothera Research Station. Built at the end of the Earth. Built for decades of polar science. ❄️ #Antarctica #Environment #PolarResearch

1442

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 05/06/2026

We’re at the Great Exhibition Road Festival this weekend! Look out for the big orange Antarctic field tent in the Family Fun Zone, Kensington Gardens – you can crawl inside, dress up as a polar researcher, and find out what life is really like on the coldest continent on Earth. 🧵1/2

A close-up of a person dressed in polar gear waving out of a tent door.

3102

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 05/06/2026

What's the crack? BAS, @ucl.ac.uk and @aalto.fi scientists have been studying how cracks develop in Antarctic ice shelves. Ice shelves act as a natural brake on glaciers. When they break apart, ice flows into the ocean and sea levels rise. youtube.com/watch?v=lw2lXhZfE-s&feature=youtu.be 🧵1/2

youtube.com

What if we could predict ice fracturing in Antarctica? | British Antarctic Survey

YouTube video by British Antarctic Survey

151

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 28/05/2026

That's a wrap on the 2025/26 Antarctic science season! Our teams worked on 50+ projects across five research stations, in the deep field, and at sea – from climate science to wildlife monitoring. Here's a look back at (some of) what we got up to... 🧵1/9

1477

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 27/05/2026

This is the moment that RRS Sir David Attenborough set sail from Rothera Research Station in Antarctica. It leaves behind team of hardy Winterers there to stay through polar night. They'll live and work there alone until October 💙 📸 Jerry Gillham, Winter Station Leader

Two figures stand on the snowy dockside waving up at a big red ship. It's dark and the ship is illuminated warmly from many portholes and external lights. There is a row of people lined up on the deck in the distance, waving back.

1475

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 20/05/2026

With a fresh flurry of snow and deconstruction complete, isn't Rothera Research Station looking good? It's been a busy month for our Antarctic team - modernising the station *and* keeping the science on track. Find out what's occuring in the latest Postcard from Rothera ⬇️ ow.ly/qwTK50YXnyr

0313

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 12/05/2026

Did you know there are plants in Antarctica? 0.4% of Antarctica’s surface is free of snow and ice, which allows two species of flowering plants to thrive, as well as mosses, liverworts, and lichens. 📸 Elise Biersma 🧵1/6

3425

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 07/05/2026

Happy Birthday to Sir David Attenborough - from your namesake, RRS Sir David Attenborough! 🚢 The link between Sir David and this ship is very special to all who work on it. True to his legacy, it's where we do world leading polar science to understand these precious regions of our planet.

314335

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 23/04/2026

Two giant icebergs, one BIG difference 🧊 The famous ‘megabergs’ A23a and A76a drifted through Antarctic waters in recent years – both more than twice the size of Greater London. But what impact did they have on ocean life? Biogeochemist Laura Taylor led the research to find out… 🧵1/7

2236

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 08/04/2026

You've heard of Jack-in-the-box: enter drone-in-a-box! This nifty bit of kit has been put through its paces this season to see if it could be used to help researchers study wildlife on this remote and rugged island...

13913

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 03/04/2026

What better way to roll into the bank holiday weekend than with an Easter egg hunt? And we're not talking about the chocolate kind 👀 Can you find the secret page on our new website? Hint: it’s “aww”fully cute... Let us know if you found it ⬇️ #aww #easteregg #topsecret

172

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 01/04/2026

When you need a little help from an old friend…🚢📡 In a new partnership, Ukrainian scientists from the research vessel, Noosfera, have been working together with BAS researchers to take critical ocean measurements that will help us understand the impact of climate change on Antarctica’s coasts 🧵1/5

The Ukrainian Research ship, Noosfera, on the sea against a bright blue sky. Credit: National Antarctic Science Center of Ukraine

1345

Reposted by British Antarctic Survey 🐧

RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

New research shows that, as well as breeding at different times of the year, populations of Band-rumped Storm Petrels on St Helena forage in different places. Read on for a summary Full paper: doi.org/10.1186/s40462-026-00633-1 @bas.ac.uk 🧪 🌎️ 🪶 #seabirds

Caption: Mist-nets were used to capture Band-rumped Storm Petrels at their breeding colony on Egg Island, an islet off St Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Alt text: The sun is setting over the sea. Mist nets are strung between vertical poles. A Band-rumped Storm Petrel is silhouetted in flight above the net.

Credit: Steffen Oppel

12911

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 20/03/2026

Hello Walrus-spotters of Bluesky! Meet Dr Hannah Cubaynes, who is leading the Walrus from Space citizen science counting project. Help count here ➡️ geohive.vantor.com/walrus/login Watch Hannah's talk about her (prize-winning) work tracking animals with satellites 👇 www.youtube.com/watch?v=99YS...

youtube.com

Whales & walrus from space | Dr Hannah Cubaynes Law Prize Lecture | British Antarctic Survey

YouTube video by British Antarctic Survey

02511

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 18/03/2026

Bluesky, we need your help to count walrus! 🦭 Previously on "Walrus from Space", volunteers like you sifted through around 500,000 satellite images to support our conservation research. Now we're asking the you to help us count the walrus in those images 👀 ➡️ geohive.vantor.com/walrus/login

2179131

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 18/03/2026

Psst... we have a shiny new website 😍 Those of you who remember the old British Antarctic Survey website will appreciate what a dramatic improvement this is. Why not have a little explore? ⬇ www.bas.ac.uk

bas.ac.uk

Homepage - British Antarctic Survey

Uncovering the secrets of Earth's polar and frozen regions - from the depths of the oceans to the inner edge of space.

0272

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 13/03/2026

Hey you, just a quick reminder: On Saturday 21 March, we're throwing open the doors of British Antarctic Survey HQ in Cambridge 🇦🇶 It's a family friendly event exploring all things polar! Come and see us. You'll need a (free) ticket 🎟️ www.bas.ac.uk/event/open-d...

bas.ac.uk

Ice Explorers Open Day - British Antarctic Survey

Ice Explorers is a fun, family-friendly open day at the headquarters of the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge. Part of the Cambridge Festival line up.

0206

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 13/03/2026

Greenland’s glaciers are losing ice at an unprecedented pace 🇬🇱 The bad news: vast quantities of freshwater entering the North Atlantic could disrupt major ocean currents - changing ocean ecosystems and European climate. The good news: this GIANT collaboration is getting to the bottom of it, fast ⬇

15926

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 07/03/2026

Work to modernise our facilities at Rothera Research Station continues. More of the Discovery building is now in use, and several older buildings have been deconstructed as the station transforms. These improvements will support Antarctic science for decades to come: www.bas.ac.uk/news/6-march...

A large blue industrial building with a tower on the roof and containers sitting beside it.

The handrails and stairs at the side of a large blue building.

Bright red interior stairwell inside a building.

Bright yellow stairwell inside a building.

0378

Reposted by British Antarctic Survey 🐧

World Meteorological Organization @wmo-global.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Scientists have discovered that the shrinking sea ice in the Antarctic force penguins to crowd into smaller patches of stable ice to moult. On #WorldWildlifeDay, explore how researchers from @bas.ac.uk are studying this phenomenon using satellites imagery: bit.ly/40K4iQI

03312

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 03/03/2026

🎧 New episode of Iceworld Did you know that Antarctica is the world’s largest desert? ❄️ Meet Zelna and Charlotte, researchers who’ve just returned from two months living in this desert of snow. Curious what it’s like to live in the middle of nowhere? Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

0232

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 25/02/2026

This satellite footage shows the days in early 2023 when the ice literally disappeared from beneath the feet of thousands of emperor penguins. And here's the issue: they were likely moulting at the time. Welcome to Marie Bryd Land, Antarctica... 🧵 1/5

1219

Reposted by British Antarctic Survey 🐧

The Carbon Literacy Project @carbonliteracy.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

@bas.ac.uk achieves Silver Carbon Literate Organisation status.🇦🇶👏 From adapting IT systems to integrating carbon accounting into field projects, emissions reduction is built into everyday work. Proof that climate action is possible anywhere, with the right tools. Read their story: bit.ly/4ruqs5C

071

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 19/02/2026

Summer at Halley Research Station in 60 seconds ⏰ Our ice shelf research station has now gone into hibernation for another year! Congrats to the station team for all their hard work through the Antarctic summer months.

0465

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 16/02/2026

🎧 New episode of Iceworld What does it take to keep aircraft flying at the bottom of the world? Meet Eli and Jeremie, aircraft engineers maintaining our beloved Twin Otters in Antarctica. Think ski landing, sastrugi & snags. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #Antarctica #Podcast #Aviation

Two people in orange cold-weather gear standing beside a red British Antarctic Survey plane on a tarmac under a partly cloudy sky.

0305

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 15/02/2026

This lot are off to have a whale of a time at this year's World Whale Day party 🎉 🐋 Take a moment to watch them go about their business in the knowledge that since commercial whaling was banned in 1986, populations have been bouncing back. Images collected under scientific permit. #WorldWhaleDay

07928

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 14/02/2026

📅 Save the date! Join us on Saturday 21 March 2026 for a free, family-friendly open day as part of the Cambridge Festival lineup. 🎟️ Free tickets dropping soon - watch this space! 📍 British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET 🕙 21st March 10am - 4pm

0185

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 13/02/2026

As Rothera research station evolves, we’re making sure the stories of those who've gone before us aren't left behind. Step inside our new Discovery Building and you’ll also find something unexpected: a heritage wall showcasing field kit that’s been trusted for over a century.

A large blue building with a tower on the roof.

A glass wall inside a building showcasing vintage items such as an Antarctic sledge, old door, sewing machine and blue kit box. There is a small table and chairs in front of the wall.

Two people in a snow covered landscape, one is on a sledge and the other is beside a tripod.

A person sits on top of a large blue box on top of snow covered ground. There are two other blue boxes beside them and a spade standing upright in the snow.

2264

British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 12/02/2026

Who doesn’t love a massive iceberg? 💙 There’s something deeply compelling about these frozen giants and that's why they are the subject of this month's BAS Long Read feature. Intrigued? Settle in for the full story over on our website👇 tinyurl.com/yy9xsxfh #icebergs #valentinesday

1263