South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) - Executive Summary of Proposal

Abstract

SAPRI is part of the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap Research Infrastructure (RI) proposal. The SAPRI is designed as a consortium hosted at the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), which has proven experience in managing infrastructures and will fast-track its set up and operations. 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. In addition, 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 establishment of SAPRI will elevate South Africa into a central role within the Antarctic space, with the produced science and international standing directly benefiting the governmental strategies for Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. As the only African player in the polar regions, South Africa will further accelerate the implementation of the pan-African Science, Technology and Innovation agenda, thus achieving the main imperatives of the National System of Innovation.