On January 16, 2026, another chapter of Czech-Slovak Antarctic research officially began. The first part of the scientific expedition Antarctica 2026 set off from Brno, where a media briefing was held in front of the Janáček Theatre with the participation of expedition members and partner institutions.
A demanding journey to the end of the world
After starting from Brno, the expedition route leads through Vienna, Madrid and Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas in Patagonia. From there, there is a military air transfer by Hercules C 130 aircraft to King George Island and the final stage by sea by icebreaker Marinero Fuentealba (OPV 83) towards James Ross Island, where the Johann Gregor Mendel Czech Scientific Station is located.
However, the current situation once again confirms that Antarctica sets its own rules. The persistent ice conditions in the area currently do not allow for a safe transfer to James Ross Island, which requires a time shift and patiently waiting for suitable conditions.
Scientific objectives of the expedition
The objective of the expedition is clear and consistent in the long term – continuing systematic monitoring of climate change and comprehensive monitoring of the state of polar geo- and ecosystems. Research is mainly focused on:
• dynamics of glaciers and permafrost,
• development of deglaciated areas,
• river and lake systems,
• environmental processes in extreme polar conditions.
An integral part of the mission are also the technical tasks of the Telegrafia – Warning Systems project, primarily the control, maintenance and operation of the Czech scientific station Johann Gregor Mendel, which has been operated by Masaryk University in Brno for 19 years.
Slovak footprint in Antarctica
Slovakia is also significantly represented on the expedition. A member of the expedition is Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Michal Goga, PhD. which represents:
• Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice,
• UPJŠ Technology and Innovation Park (TIP UPJŠ),
• City of Košice.
Its participation confirms the growing involvement of Slovak research and innovation institutions in international polar projects of high scientific and social importance.
Report directly from the transfer
On January 18, 2026, the first brief report directly from the field arrived from Punta Arenas:
“We successfully arrived in Punta Arenas at night. The flight was extremely difficult. At the moment, we have to wait until Wednesday, then we should continue to King George Island. We cannot yet reach the base on James Ross Island due to ice conditions – everything is still frozen. We hope that in about two weeks the ice will break and we will be able to move to the station.”
Science in the rhythm of nature
Antarctica is showing its true colors again this time – science here does not have a fixed schedule. Research in extreme conditions requires patience, humility and a deep respect for natural processes. However, it is long-term observations and continuity of measurements that provide irreplaceable data on changes in the global climate system.
The Antarctica 2026 Expedition is further proof that international cooperation, high-quality science and technological innovation have their place on the planet’s southernmost continent.
