€23 million allocated for the National Antarctic Research Program in 2025

The Italian Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, has signed a new decree allocating €23 million to support the 2025 campaign of the National Antarctic Research Program (PNRA), the Italian scientific programme aiming to study and understand the Antarctic regions.

‎“Italy has always been at the forefront of polar research, and it is our aim to consolidate and strengthen this leadership”, stated the Minister. “Missions in Antarctica are of strategic importance for scientific research, especially in the context of the challenges posed by climate change. What happens at the poles has direct and global effects, meaning that polar research is one of the most effective tools at our disposal for understanding the transformations underway and identifying sustainable solutions”.

‎Italy will therefore continue to increase its commitment to the Antarctic region, ensuring a stable and qualified scientific presence, with plans to renew infrastructure and support new projects. International cooperation in logistics and science is also essential in tackling these complex challenges.

‎Italy currently operates two permanent research stations in Antarctica. These are the Mario Zucchelli Station, located on the coast of Victoria Land and active during the summer months, and the Concordia Station, situated on the Antarctic Plateau and operational year-round thanks to collaboration with France. The Concordia base has recently received €15 million in funding from the Ministry of University and Research for crucial maintenance work.

‎These two facilities are supported by the R/V Laura Bassi, which is proudly owned by the OGS and was recently upgraded with a €4 million investment, also allocated by the MUR through the Fund for Research Infrastructure and Facilities.