The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is a UK-registered nonprofit organization and a thematic body of the International Science Council (ISC) focused on the initiation, development, and coordination of high-quality international scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Established in 1958, SCAR plays a pivotal role in advancing understanding of the Antarctic region and its integral part in the Earth system[1][2][4].

Mission and Activities

SCAR is dedicated to fostering scientific excellence through the development of transformational research programmes that address compelling and emerging scientific questions of regional and global importance related to Antarctica. It supports over 30 scientific groups that cover a wide range of disciplines relevant to Antarctic research. Furthermore, SCAR provides objective, independent scientific advice to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings and other international bodies including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), focusing on issues of science, conservation, and environmental management in the Antarctic region[1][2][4][5].

History

SCAR originated from the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU)'s Antarctic meeting in Stockholm in September 1957 where the need for a permanent committee to oversee and coordinate Antarctic research was agreed upon. Initially named the Special Committee on Antarctic Research, it included delegates from twelve nations active in Antarctic science at that time. The first official meeting was held in The Hague in February 1958, where founding leadership was established and organizational structures, including working groups, were formed. The organization's name was later changed to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research to reflect its permanent role in Antarctic science coordination[4].

Governance and Structure

SCAR operates with a governance framework that includes Delegates appointed by its member countries who meet biennially to set policy and strategy. An elected Executive Committee manages the organization’s activities between these meetings. The scientific work is conducted through discipline-specific science groups that report to SCAR. The organization benefits from the volunteer efforts of scientists worldwide, supporting its mission and governance[2][3].

Legal Status

SCAR is registered as a charity and company in the United Kingdom, with Charity number 1124840 and Company number 6564642. It employs staff and has trustees and volunteers who contribute to its operations and scientific initiatives[2][3].

Impact

SCAR’s recommendations have significantly influenced international Antarctic governance, with many integrated into Antarctic Treaty instruments that protect the region’s ecology and environment. The organization continues to contribute vital knowledge and policy advice supporting the sustainable management and conservation of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean[1][2][4].

This nonprofit organization is central to international Antarctic research collaboration and scientific policy advice, fostering a global scientific community dedicated to understanding and preserving one of Earth's most critical and fragile environments.

[1] https://scar.org [2] https://scar.org/about-us [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1124840&subid=0 [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_Committee_on_Antarctic_Research [5] https://scar-iasc.de/en/scientific-committee-on-antarctic-research-scar/