SCAR is committed to developing scientific capacity in its Members, emerging National Antarctic programmes, students and early career scientists and to recognising the contributions made by individuals in achieving this. SCAR’s capacity building, education and training activities include the Fellowship Programme and the Visiting Scholar Scheme. The SCAR Capacity Building, Education and Training (CBET) Committee manages SCAR’s awards and recognition activities, including the selection of SCAR Medal awardees. The recipient of the SCAR President’s Medal for Outstanding Achievement is chosen by the outgoing President, who awards it on stepping down from office.
SCAR itself has been the recipient of prestigious international awards. In 2002, it received the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation. The prize money from the award was used to initiate the SCAR Fellowship scheme. More information about the Prince of Asturias award can be found on the Prince of Asturias website.
In 2013, SCAR was awarded the Prix Biodiversité of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The prize money from the award is used to support the Prince Albert II Fellowship for biodiversity, beginning in 2015. More information about the Prix Biodiversité can be found on the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco website.
The SCAR awards:
- SCAR Medals are awarded biennially in recognition of excellence in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research and outstanding service to the international Antarctic community. Presentations are made at the SCAR Open Science Conference;
- SCAR Fellowships are awarded annually and enable early career scientists to undertake research with a team in another SCAR member country;
- SCAR Visiting Scholar scheme enables experienced researchers and academics to provide training and mentoring at an institution in another SCAR member country.