The South Africa Research Infrastructure Roadmap (RI) Proposal; South Africa Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI)

Abstract

The Southern Hemisphere polar region is a system of interconnected physical and ecological components comprising the Antarctic continent, sub-Antarctic islands, the Southern Ocean and the deep ocean basins surrounding South Africa, along with the overlying atmosphere and the opportunities to observe the universe from this largely uninhabited location. The human dimension gives structure to the research investigation, because Antarctica and the surrounding region outside the countries’ exclusive economic zones are regulated by treaties engraved in the principle of science for society. The Antarctic region is hence climatically, ecologically and socio-economically linked to South Africa, and the vast range of disciplines require a holistic approach. The proposed establishment of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) will ensure coordination of South African marine and Antarctic research as a national Big Science programme, providing seamless access to existing and new research infrastructure required to develop and enhance long-term observations of South Africa’s polar region. 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.