Formed in 1958, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is an interdisciplinary body of the International Council for Science (ICSU), and currently includes 43 member countries and 9 ICSU unions. SCAR’s mission is to advance Antarctic research, including observations from Antarctica, and to promote scientific knowledge, understanding and education on any aspect of the Antarctic region. To this end, SCAR is charged with initiating, developing and coordinating high quality international scientific research in the Antarctic region (including the Southern Ocean), and on the role of the Antarctic region in the Earth system.  It acts as the main international exchange of Antarctic information within the scientific community.

In addition to carrying out its primary scientific role, SCAR also provides objective and independent scientific advice and information to the Antarctic Treaty System and other organizations such as the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) on issues of science and conservation affecting the management of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and on the role of the Antarctic region in the Earth system.

SCAR strives to include new members, as countries not yet engaged develop an increasing interest in Antarctic science. At regular intervals, SCAR evaluates its achievements and adjusts its structure and strategy to improve its functioning and accommodate emerging issues. Involvement in SCAR science is open to all.

For more information on SCAR, please visit the SCAR website.