The South Georgia Association announces the award of an Initiative Fund grant to Miss Madeleine Brasier to enable her to participate in an all-female leadership training expedition to the Antarctic as part of Homeward Bound. A PhD student studying Antarctic benthic biology at Liverpool University and the Natural History Museum, Madeleine was selected for the one-year Homeward Bound training programme earlier this year. She will be part of a team of 80 women from around the world and is one of only three PhD students from the UK. The programme aims to raise awareness about environmental change, and the gender gap in science, against the backdrop of Antarctica whilst providing the female participants with skills to lead in research and influence environmental policy. The one-year training programme Madeleine is undertaking will be completed with a 3-week Antarctic expedition on which her leadership and innovation skills will be tested in extreme conditions.
Madeleine’s current research investigates the ecology and diversity of benthic marine animals within the Western Antarctic, including South Georgia. She is also interested in the fisheries monitoring around South Georgia. The link between her research and marine policy is an area she will strengthen with the aid of the Homeward Bound experience.
The aims of the South Georgia Association are to encourage interest in, and concern for, the island of South Georgia. Applications for Initiative Fund grants are welcomed from all who have an interest in South Georgia and who wish to initiate or support projects that will stimulate awareness of, and interest in, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Further information on the Initiative Fund can be found HERE. Coupled with her outreach work as a STEM ambassador (inspiring young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and an education officer for the UK Polar Network, Madeleine will benefit from the training and experience gained in Antarctic matters supported by the South Georgia Association.