Bulgaria advances polar science through 34th Antarctic Expedition - EXCLUSIVE

The 34th Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, currently underway on Livingston Island, is advancing a wide-ranging scientific agenda aligned with global polar research priorities, thereby strengthening Bulgaria’s role as a leading Antarctic research nation in Southeastern Europe, a source in the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria told CE Report in an exclusive interview.

According to the Ministry, the expedition’s scientific programme continues the implementation of Bulgaria’s National Scientific Programme for Polar Research 2022–2027 and follows the main thematic clusters defined by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). Research activities span multiple disciplines, reflecting both the complexity of Antarctic systems and Bulgaria’s growing scientific capacity in polar studies.

Key research areas include Antarctic ecosystems, with studies focused on microorganisms and parasites, the antimicrobial properties of fungi, and the presence of microplastics and heavy metals in living organisms. Scientists are also conducting research in meteorology, geology, seismology, and environmental change, as well as investigating tides, tidal forces, ocean currents, and broader marine dynamics around Livingston Island.

The programme further encompasses astronomy and solar observations, monitoring of the Earth’s magnetic field, and a strong medical research component. Medical studies examine changes in the skin microbiome, physical activity, physiological stress, and human adaptation mechanisms in extreme environments. Social sciences are also represented, with projects exploring socio-spatial aspects and cultural dynamics in polar settings.

The Ministry emphasized that access to Antarctic research is organized through annual national calls for project proposals coordinated by the National Center for Polar Studies. These calls are open to Bulgarian research organizations, while foreign institutes may participate as project partners and international researchers may be involved as experts, ensuring a strong international dimension.

International scientific cooperation remains a defining feature of the 34th expedition. Over the past five years, and particularly following the acquisition of Bulgaria’s research vessel RSV 421 St. St. Cyril and Methodius, interest from foreign researchers has grown significantly. The Bulgarian Antarctic Base now operates as a shared scientific infrastructure under the European POLARIN project.

During the current expedition, scientists from Greece, Romania, Montenegro, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Colombia, and Ecuador are participating in research projects funded by their home institutions. The ratio of Bulgarian to foreign researchers is approximately 3:1, underscoring Bulgaria’s leading role while maintaining strong international collaboration.

In total, 25 Bulgarian researchers and 18 international scientists are participating in the expedition, supported by a 16-member logistics team at the base. The crew of the RSV 421 St. St. Cyril and Methodius provides comprehensive logistical and scientific support throughout the voyage from Varna to Livingston Island and during the entire Antarctic operational period, including equipment installation, measurements, and sample collection.

The Ministry highlighted that Bulgaria holds a unique position in the region as the only Balkan country with consultative status under the Antarctic Treaty System, its own Antarctic base, and a dedicated research vessel.

Institutional and financial support for the expedition is provided by the Ministry of Education and Science through the National Programme for Polar Research. In addition, funding under the National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure supports the operation, maintenance, and modernization of the Bulgarian Antarctic Base and the research vessel. For the 2023–2025 period, total funding amounts to €17.76 million.

Logistics and scientific coordination are managed jointly by the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, the National Center for Polar Studies, and the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, ensuring the effective implementation of research activities and long-term sustainability of Bulgaria’s Antarctic presence.

Through sustained investment, international cooperation, and a multidisciplinary scientific agenda, Bulgaria continues to expand its contribution to global polar research, reinforcing its strategic role in Antarctica and its commitment to scientific excellence in extreme environments.

Photo: Bulgarian Antarctic Institute

This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman