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RCUK works bilaterally and multilaterally with organisations in Europe and around the world in research closely focused to their particular remits. For example, a new agreement between the UK and Canadian governments to share ships, aircraft and research stations in the Arctic and Antarctic to increase science cooperation paves the way for a greater understanding of the rapidly changing Polar Regions.
Results from International Polar Year highlight the need for more research on the regional and global consequences of disappearing ice and melting permafrost and illustrate how international cooperation is necessary to address these major challenges. Canada and the UK are well matched – both are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty and the partnership allows Canada to take advantage of the British Antarctic Survey facilities, while the UK can increase the capacity of its Arctic research base through access to extensive Canadian arctic infrastructure.