Associate Professor Shigeru Aoki selected to lead the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE)

Photo taken by Kazuya Ono.

Hokkaido University Associate Professor Shigeru Aoki of the Institute of Low Temperature Science was selected to become the leader of the 61^st Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. The decision was made at the 153^rd JARE general assembly meeting, hosted on November 8^th by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. This marks the first time that a representative from Hokkaido University has been selected for the post.

Hokkaido University Associate Professor Shigeru Aoki during the Umitaka-maru research expedition in 2012 in the Southern Ocean.

The 61^st Expedition corresponds to the fourth year of the “Japanese Antarctic Research Project Phase IX”, a 6 year-long project launched in 2016. The main theme of the expedition is “Variations of global systems revealed by Antarctic observations”, and will consist of observational activities on glacial, marine, and sea ice properties, utilizing the “Shirase” research vessel in order to try and further explain the relationship between ocean waters and ice sheets. The expedition will be carried out over a four-month period from late 2019 into 2020. Preparations including member selection, training, and acquiring supplies, will be conducted over the upcoming year.

Sharing his thoughts on his selection, Dr. Aoki commented “I feel somber, as being leader of the expedition is a serious responsibility. The international community is expecting results from the Japanese research being conducted in the Antarctic. In addition to continuing to build on the past 60 years of work that JARE has undertaken, I would also like to successfully conquer new challenges during the 61^st expedition.”

Dr. Aoki has previously been a member of the 39^th Winter Expedition, as well as the 43^rd and 56^th Summer Expeditions. He has also participated in several Australian-sponsored research ship expeditions. In addition to his duties as leader of the 61^st Expedition, Dr. Aoki will also serve as leader of the Summer Expedition. 

Written by Naoki Namba