The Ukrainian Scientific Centre of Ecology of the Sea has become part of the National Antarctic Scientific Center (NASC). This institution is responsible for marine monitoring and research of the Black Sea waters. The corresponding decision was adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The consolidation of the entire scientific fleet under a single management structure will enable more efficient use of various equipment for research in distant Antarctica, the Black Sea (as soon as conditions allow), the Azov Sea (after access is restored), as well as the World Ocean.

NASC, which already has successful experience in managing marine infrastructure, will serve as an operational hub for organizing комплексних marine research activities. This will also ensure the concentration and more efficient allocation of state budget expenditures for the maintenance of the scientific fleet, as well as the organization and implementation of marine expeditions.

The development of research in the Black Sea and the World Ocean based on NASC’s Antarctic experience and international partnerships is an important step toward strengthening international scientific cooperation. It opens new opportunities for expanding Ukraine’s participation in global research initiatives, deepening partnerships with leading scientific institutions, and integrating Ukrainian research into international networks for the exchange of knowledge and technologies.

Scientific methods will be tested in two directions — in the Black Sea and Antarctica.

The exchange and development of different methodologies between research environments is an established international practice, and the merger of the institutions will contribute to scaling up this approach.

The integration of polar and marine research within a single institution corresponds to best international practices. In particular, the Alfred Wegener Institute for Marine and Polar Research is among the world leaders in this field.

Such an approach creates the prerequisites for strengthening Ukraine’s research potential and enhancing the international competitiveness of its scientific research.

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