Transforming, consolidating & strengthening
MARINE & POLAR RESEARCH
The ultimate objective of SAPRI is to enable balanced research growth across the marine and polar disciplines, and to maintain and further expand the world-class long-term observational datasets already established.
KEY PARTNERS
ABOUT SAPRI
The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) is one of 13 large Research Infrastructures (RIs) developed by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) as part of the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR).
The SAPRI was established in 2021 to ensure coordination of South African marine and Antarctic research as a national Big Science programme, providing seamless access to existing and new research infrastructure required to develop and enhance long-term observations of South Africa’s polar region.
The SAPRI is designed as a consortium hosted at the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) and is divided into four Integrated Facilities (IFs):
Data, Products & Society (DPS)
Bringing together the SAPRI Data Centre, the various types of generated data and downstream products, including modelling and the societal outreach programme.
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Long-term Observations on Land (LTO-Land)
Ensuring the continuity of the established long-term observation networks in three different regions: the Prince Edward Island system (Marion and Prince Edward Islands), Gough Island; and, the Dronning Maud Land (DML) section of Antarctica where the South African Expedition Station (SANAE IV) is located.
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Long-term Observations of the Ocean (LTO-Ocean)
Ensuring the continuity of the established long-term observation networks in the oceans surrounding South Africa, including the Southern Ocean, the South-West Indian Ocean, and the South Atlantic Ocean.
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Polar Lab
Establishment of the first sub-zero, temperature-controlled laboratory in Africa, for the simulation of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environment for experimental and training purposes. This innovation will bring new opportunities for polar research in Africa.
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LATEST NEWS
SAPRI and its host, NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node, join the 2025 Marine and Coastal Educators Network National Conference
The Marine and Coastal Educators Network (MCEN) hosted its 24th annual national conference from 19-24 January 2025 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. As a coordinating body within the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research (SANCOR) and funded by the National...
SAPRI welcomes new appointments in Technical, Operations, Administration, and Engagement roles
As we embark on an exciting new year, we are thrilled to welcome several talented individuals to our team across administrative, operational, and technical roles who joined us in 2024. These new colleagues bring diverse expertise and fresh perspectives that will...
Establishing the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) | CLIVAR Exchanges Special Issue: Advances in Emerging Antarctic Research Programs
As we reflect on the achievements of 2024, the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) had the honour of contributing to a global dialogue by providing a South African perspective on the strategic objectives and challenges of establishing the SAPRI...
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COMING SOON
SAPRI Data Centre
If you would like to submit data, or access data or other resources that other researchers have collected, please visit the SAPRI Data Centre.
People
Our expert database includes a number of specialists in the field of marine and polar research within South Africa. Access it now to discover more.
Careers
Are you interested in working in the field of marine and polar research or any related roles? Click to view current job openings and apply today.