Antarctic research underpins global understanding of climate regulation, ocean circulation, biodiversity, and environmental change, yet much of this science remains inaccessible to the broader community. It is increasingly recognised that research must be communicated in ways that improve ocean literacy, strengthen public engagement with science, and demonstrate its societal value.
Embedded outreach delivered during the CANYONS (2023) and COOKIES (2026) voyages aboard RV Investigator is examined as a case study of a dedicated outreach role within Antarctic research programs. Across both voyages, 86 live ship-to-shore sessions connected more than 4,200 students and educators across eight countries with Antarctic researchers and real-time field operations.
Outreach translated complex concepts including ocean circulation, sediment coring, benthic surveying, and paleoclimate proxies into curriculum-aligned learning experiences and community-focused digital content. Participants gained authentic insight into the scientific process, from field sampling to analysis, interpretation, and theory refinement.
Voyage evaluations identified the dedicated outreach role as a key strength, enabling consistent engagement, broad audience reach, and translation of complex scientific research for diverse audiences. This case study demonstrates that integrating specialist outreach personnel within future Antarctic research programs represents a valuable and scalable approach to strengthening ocean literacy, inspiring the next generation of STEM learners, supporting informed community engagement, and building enduring public and policy support for Antarctic science.

The HX|UTAS Antarctic Learning Program represents an innovative model for embedding academic rigour within expedition travel. Co-developed by HX Expeditions and the University of Tasmania, the initiative bridges research expertise and operational experience through a learning pathway across Antarctic voyages.
Launched in November 2024, the program began with a free Introductory Antarctic Course for HX guests. Delivered through short digital modules, it introduces Antarctic geography, climate systems, biodiversity, governance and human history. The course equips travellers with scientific understanding before arrival, enhancing their onboard experience and engagement with expedition teams and citizen science initiatives.
Building on this, a comprehensive 20+ hour course, "Antarctica: A Journey of Discovery with HX & UTAS", offers pathways toward university credit. This tiered model expands polar education beyond traditional classrooms, creating opportunities for lifelong learners while supporting academic recognition. Internal evaluation and participant feedback indicate completion and satisfaction above sector averages, with many reporting a lasting shift in their perception of Antarctica and their role in its protection.
The collaboration demonstrates a scalable academia–industry partnership: HX provides the experiential platform at sea, while UTAS ensures scientific integrity and pedagogical design grounded in current polar research. Expansion to Arctic-focused courses has commenced, applying the same framework to northern polar regions. Together, this model demonstrates how expedition travel can catalyse environmental literacy, informed engagement and long-term stewardship of the polar regions.

This paper presents findings from two large-scale bibliometric analyses of polar research from 2016 to 2024: the Antarctic Research Trends Report and the Polar Research Trends Report. Both use Scopus-indexed publications as proxies for research activity.

The first analysis shows that Antarctic and Southern Ocean publications peaked in 2021 before declining slightly through 2024. A major shift is the rise of China, which by 2024 leads in both volume and high-impact output, while traditional leaders—including the US, UK, Germany, and Australia—have seen declining shares. International collaboration remains central, with ~45% of publications involving multiple countries, although rates vary: China, India, and Russia collaborate less.

The second analysis examines ‘cross-polar’ research spanning Arctic and Antarctic contexts. Output follows a similar trajectory, peaking in 2021 and declining thereafter. Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand are the most strongly Antarctic-focused nations. The US emerges as the most cross-polar nation (when normalised), followed by China and several European states. While China is now the largest producer of Antarctic research in absolute terms, it nonetheless under-specialises in Antarctic (and Arctic) research compared to other nations.

Results from these reports reveal changes in research output and collaboration patterns across the polar regions, which suggest changing global leadership, priorities, investment and influence. Tracking such patterns is important as nations prepare for the fifth International Polar Year and climate change continues to accelerate.

Tourism is the most common route for humans to interact with Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Almost all tourists travel south with an operator, and the experiences of these guests are framed by a suite of onboard lectures and activities, and guided excursions. One activity on offer is citizen science, where tourists are invited to participate in data collection for a range of projects. This paper draws on two seasons of fieldwork (2022/23 and 2023/24) to examine the role of interactive citizen science activities in impacting visitors’ attitudes to the Antarctic. Beginning with an overview of citizen science in the region, the paper then details findings from guest interviews. The focus here is on guest perceptions of citizen science in Antarctica and to what extent the science programs played a role in motivating travel choices and mediating the Antarctic environment. Experiential learning opportunities can lead to impactful experiences for Antarctic tourists, but connections back to everyday life, including actions that can be undertaken back home, are also key. We argue that while citizen science can augment the Antarctic tourist experience, this is most effectively done with wrap around support available, as such activities can also elicit questions about human impacts on the environment more broadly.