Sexual Violence in US Antarctic Research Bases

2025/08/13 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Berdintasuna
• Ikerketa-zentroak

The U.S. Science Foundation’s Antarctic Program (USAP) has revealed that in its 2022-2024 survey of Antarctic research bases, 41 percent of participants reported being sexually assaulted or sexually harassed.

It should be noted that two thirds of the victims were women and the other third were men. In about half of the cases, the harasser was the contractor and about 20% was the supervisor.

The USAP itself has recognized, on the one hand, that the problem has a direct impact on the trajectory of scientists and, on the other hand, that the prevention and reporting mechanisms currently in place are insufficient to prevent violence. As such, the USAP has pledged to strengthen measures to protect researchers operating in Antarctica. It won’t be easy, as the U.S. government cut funding for equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives earlier this year.