Scientists welcome rejection of British Antarctic Survey merger

The Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) has decided not to go ahead with a proposal to merge the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) after receiving widespread criticism of the plans. In June, NERC proposed the merger saying it would lower the cost of maintaining BAS and NOC ships, as well as “integrating these areas of science more closely.”

However, many scientists claimed the merger would rob Britain of one of its most respected institutions. BAS is the UK’s national Antarctic operator, responsible for most of the UK’s scientific research in Antarctica over the past 60 years and has given rise to many important findings such as the discovery of the hole in the ozone layer in 1970. The organisation operates five research stations and employs over 400 staff.

"NERC Council agreed that it will not proceed with the proposal for merger," Minister of State for Universities and Science, David Willetts confirmed in a written statement.

"The British Antarctic Survey is a national and international asset that delivers world-class environmental science, and this country's strategic presence in Antarctica and the South Atlantic. The UK's commitment to continuing this dual mission in the region is as strong as ever,” Willetts continued In June, NERC proposed the merger saying it would lower the cost of maintaining BAS and NOC ships, as well as “integrating these areas of science more closely.”

Tony Bell, National Secretary for Prospect Union which counts many NERC scientists as members said: “This decision represents a victory for common-sense, a victory for science and a victory for staff. It will help to end the uncertainty that faced dedicated scientists and professionals in both institutions, enabling them to get on with their jobs and continue the ground-breaking research that has built the iconic status of these institutions.”