First Woman Researcher from West Bengal Embarks on Historic Antarctic Expedition

Kolkata - In a groundbreaking development, Presidency University's senior research fellow, Snigdha Bhaumik, is set to become the first female researcher from West Bengal to participate in an Antarctic expedition. She will be joined by fellow researcher Soumya Subhra Baishnab on the 12th Indian Scientific Expedition to the Southern Ocean, departing on February 10, 2025.  

Their mission focuses on studying benthic communities—organisms inhabiting the ocean floor—to assess the impacts of rapid climate change and diminishing sea ice. This research is crucial for understanding the broader implications of environmental shifts on marine ecosystems.  

Organized and funded by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the 42-day expedition aims to collect samples from Prydz Bay. These samples will provide valuable insights into the ongoing environmental changes in the region.  

This journey not only marks a significant milestone for West Bengal but also underscores India's growing commitment to polar research. The participation of women in such expeditions highlights the nation's progress toward inclusivity in scientific endeavors.