National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine (NASC) and Mexican Agency for Antarctic Research (AMEA) have signed a historical Memorandum on scientific cooperation in Antarctica. The event took place in Mexico City on August 11, 2025.
The document provides for joint Ukrainian-Mexican research both on board the RV Noosfera and at Akademik Vernadsky station.
For Mexico, this memorandum is a special event in the history of science, as it paves the way for the first expedition to the icy continent.
For Ukraine, in addition to scientific interest, Antarctic diplomacy is of great importance. Every year it becomes an increasingly important tool of soft power and strengthens the position of our state in the countries of the Global South, in particular through the expansion of bilateral cooperation with Latin American countries.
“Like no other country, Ukraine offers Mexican scientists the cooperation in Antarctica. It is a happy opportunity that the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), in particular the Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology (ICMyL), the National School of Earth Sciences, and tomorrow – the Faculty of Natural Sciences, are involved in the launch of this project, its successful implementation, and the exchange of information with Mexicans. We are committed to being actively involved in decision making that improve our relationship with the planet through science, technology and sustainability,” said Patricia Valdespino, AMEA President.
NASC head Evgen Dykyi noted that Antarctica is a global climate regulator, so it is strategically important to study its ecosystem in the context of climate change, as well as to involve more countries in this process.
“Antarctica is a unique global laboratory where scientists from any country can, beyond national borders, do global science together and study processes that concern not only Antarctica, but the entire planet. For example, work in that “kitchen” where the climate is made for both Ukraine and Mexico. It is a great honor and pleasure for us to become a bridge to Antarctica for those countries that are just starting their journey there, and we are waiting for our Mexican colleagues at Vernadsky station and on board the RV Noosfera,” emphasized Evgen Dykyi.
The Memorandum of Cooperation was concluded for 5 years. Its signing was part of the event “Opening the White Borders: Ukraine and Mexico United for Peace and Antarctic Science” within the framework of the official visit of Ukrainian scientists to Mexico. It is coordinated by AMEA and the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Mexican States.
After signing the Memorandum, NASC photo exhibition was ceremoniously opened in the Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (NAUM)was solemnly opened at the Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology. It tells about the unique nature of Antarctica and the scientific research conducted by Ukraine on the sixth continent.
Photos: Blanca Rocío Tafoya Fernández, Olena Marushevska
