As a thematic organisation of the International Science Council (ISC), SCAR supports and adheres to the principles of its parent body, including the freedoms and responsibilities of scientists. The International Science Council promotes the idea that science is a common human endeavour that transcends national boundaries and is to be shared by all people. Scientific progress results from global exchange of ideas, data, materials and understanding of the work of others.
Our Values
The Principle of Freedom and Responsibility in Science: the free and responsible practice of science is fundamental to scientific advancement and human and environmental well-being. Such practice, in all its aspects, requires freedom of movement, association, expression and communication for scientists, as well as equitable access to data, information, and other resources for research. It requires responsibility at all levels to carry out and communicate scientific work with integrity, respect, fairness, trustworthiness, and transparency, recognising its benefits and possible harms. In advocating the free and responsible practice of science, the Council promotes equitable opportunities for access to science and its benefits, and opposes discrimination based on such factors as ethnic origin, religion, citizenship, language, political or other opinion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
ISC Statute 7
SCAR's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Group
In 2020, a scoping group was convened to investigate the best way forward for SCAR in addressing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) issues. The membership drew on experience of EDI issues as well as SCAR, and recognised similar efforts in other polar organisations, sharing membership in the case of the SOOS Working Group on EDI.
At their meeting in March 2021, SCAR Delegates approved the formation of the EDI Action Group and the formal Group proposal was agreed in May 2021 by the SCAR Executive Committee.
Women in Antarctic Research
SCAR has also worked to raise the profile of women in Antarctic research.
The presence and impact of female Antarctic researchers has increased rapidly. In the 1950s most countries did not allow women to work in Antarctica and there were few female Antarctic scientists. Today females are playing leading and influential roles in Antarctic research.
In recent years, awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion within the polar research community has grown. A number of networks have been created including:
- Women in Polar Science
Follow them on Twitter (@WomeninPolarSci) and Facebook.
See also SCAR’s work on Women in Antarctic Research. - The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Project
The APECS DEI Project Group aims to ensure that one’s identity is not a barrier to success in polar science. They have compiled a repository of resources on Safety in science, Gender, LGBTQIA+, Ethnicity, Parenthood, Indigenous communities, Disability, Community Guidelines, and Networks.