London, spring 1993, morning. The Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom, scientist Serhiy Komisarenko, sees in the mail an announcement from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) that it plans to sell its Antarctic Faraday Station.
“It immediately occurred to me how good it would be if this “Faraday” were at the disposal of our science! After all, it is known that Ukrainian researchers of the Antarctic and Arctic, being part of Soviet expeditions, accumulated solid scientific material,” the diplomat recalls.
Thus began a long path of negotiations and events, which led to the signing of a Memorandum on free transfer of Faraday station to Ukraine on July 20, 1995, which was later renamed to Akademik Vernadsky.
Interesting facts about this historical process.
Why did Great Britain transfer Faraday station?
It was one of the best stations in Antarctica, with long series of observations. However, the mountainous terrain made it almost impossible to build a runway, which was required by British safety regulations in the 1990s. So, the United Kingdom began construction of another station in the same area, Rothera Research Station, including facilities for supporting deep-field and air operations.
It was irrational to maintain two stations located relatively close to each other. But to break off the series of observations would be a great loss for science. That is why the British were looking for someone who could professionally continue these studies.
Under what conditions did Ukraine receive the station?
First, it was about selling. However, for Britain, the main concern was not the funds, but the continuation of measurements. Having convinced themselves that we would be able to provide the measurements at a high level, the British gave us the station for free.
What key events preceded the signing?
In spring 1994, BAS officers visited Ukraine to study our scientific potential. And in winter, Ukrainian specialists learned from the experience directly at Faraday. Then, for the first time, the yellow and blue flag was solemnly raised over the station.
We sincerely thank the United Kingdom and its representatives for believing in Ukraine and supporting it. Our Antarctic cooperation continues to this day.
We are also incredibly grateful to Ukrainian diplomats, polar explorers, and everyone who, during the turbulent years of the beginning of Ukrainian Independence, won us a place in the world of global science and the “elite club” of Antarctic states.
