site.btaCabinet Secures Funding for Implementation of National Programme for Polar Studies until 2027

On Wednesday, the Council of Ministers approved an update to the National Programme for Polar Studies “From Pole to Pole” 2022-2025, which guarantees funding for scientific projects in Antarctica and the completion of the 34th and 35th Bulgarian Antarctic expeditions. In May, the "From Pole to Pole” 2022-2025 programme was extended until 2027. Today's decision provides funds for the implementation of the planned activities.

These consist of several components: the holding of competitive procedures for modern scientific research in the polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic, attracting young scientists in order to increase Bulgaria’s research potential, as well as logistical support and maintenance of the St. Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic base on Livingston Island. At the same time, targeted interdisciplinary observations of the processes and components of the polar environment will be carried out.

The funded scientific projects will be implemented within the framework of the 34th Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, which will take place from November 2025 to March 2026, and the 35th Antarctic Expedition, from November 2026 to March 2027. The funds secured for the upcoming 2025 expedition amount to BGN 4.5 million. For the 35th Antarctic expedition, which will begin in 2026, the indicative financial request is BGN 5.5 million.