Kate and Rebecca make APM finals

The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme

Shortlisted for Project Professional of the year Kate Bunting and Young Project Professional of the Year Rebecca Grady have both been supporting the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, which will transform how British Antarctic Survey (BAS) enables and supports frontier science. Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), this long-term programme will enable a world-leading capability to ensure that Britain remains at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research in the Polar regions. Together with the commissioning of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, this modernisation programme represents the largest Government investment in polar science infrastructure since the 1980s.

Delivery of the Bird Island Project

Working with BAS from the outset of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, Kate undertook the lead in the feasibility and optioneering stages for a series of building projects across the BAS estate. This determined the projects to be delivered, the first being the redevelopment of Bird Island Research Station in South Georgia. 

Kate was the dedicated project manager for the Bird Island redevelopment from initiation to completion. The work consisted of a new increased capacity storage facility, a new fuel storage tank and improved energy monitoring as well as new walkways and an extension to the jetty. Working in Antarctica involves pressures unlike any other location, lead times are hugely extended due to the difficulties and unpredictability associated with working in this extreme climate and remote location, and the impact of delays are severe. With high stakes and a wide stakeholder group, planning and collaboration were critical. Kate worked tirelessly to ensure the Technical Advisory team delivered to schedule, ensuring minimum disruption to science at this important bird and seal breeding location which featured in last year’s BBC Blue Planet II series. Whilst the team was motivated by the privilege of working in Antarctica, Kate focussed on fostering close relationships between stakeholder groups, and reviewing lessons learned at each stage. This benefitted the entire programme and ensured the team remained focussed on delivering a successful outcome. 

She developed a number of procedural documents and processes for the Programme which follow the Government Soft Landings process, which will be used on the remaining projects. The quality of these documents was recognised by BAS along with Kate’s personal contribution to the success of the collaboration across the project team, “Exceptional performance from some key team members, including Kate Bunting”. Kate’s documentation and record keeping on specific aspects of Antarctica, such as typical construction materials and their advantages will have long-lasting benefits for the entire programme.

Delivering the Rothera Modernisation project

Shortlisted for the Young Project Professional of the Year Rebecca Grady is the Technical Advisor Project Manager for the Rothera Modernisation project. Rothera Research Station, on the Antarctica Peninsula, is the largest BAS research facility and supports a wide range of BAS, UK and international collaborative science programmes. The modernisation work includes upgrading station infrastructure including several new buildings, and site wide services, to reduce operating costs and the station operating costs and keep Rothera fit-for-purpose to facilitate world leading research for at least the next 25 years.

Rebecca has had an instrumental role in the Rothera Modernisation project and the delivery of the masterplan and assessment study. She has led on every aspect and assumed full responsibility for delivery. She has played a pivotal role in gathering the vital end user input through meetings, workshops and one-to-ones to ensure the masterplan and assessment study addresses the specific needs of the station users. Furthermore, her focus on delivering the best solutions for BAS, resulted in her bringing together the best Ramboll expertise to benefit the project, including offsite construction advice, interactive dashboards to inform decision making and the development of a bespoke energy modelling tool to establish the optimum energy strategy for the station. 

The APM award ceremony takes place on 26th November and we wish them both the very best of luck.

The APM have produced this short video showcasing the work of the three finalists for Young Project Professional of the Year.