The National Institute for Research and Development in Biological Sciences (INCDSB), in partnership with the University of Bucharest (UB), announces the start of the 5th Romanian scientific expedition to Antarctica, ROICE 2026, which will take place between 25 January and 14 February 2026 in West Antarctica.

The expedition will be conducted at the King Sejong Korean Antarctic Station, located on the Barton Peninsula on King George Island. The station is operated by the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI). The expedition team consists of four researchers: two from INCDSB and two from the University of Bucharest.

The scientific objectives of the expedition focus on the study of microbial biodiversity, the analysis of organisms’ adaptation mechanisms to extreme conditions, and the assessment of the impact of climate change on polar ecosystems. The results obtained will contribute to strengthening Romania’s participation in international polar research programs and to the development of scientific collaborations at a global level.

The ROICE 2026 expedition is supported by the National Institute for Research and Development in Biological Sciences (INCDSB) and the University of Bucharest, with the support of the following sponsors: BT Production Group, BlueSpace Technologies, and the Romanian Society of Bioengineering and Biotechnology. Updated information on the progress of the expedition can be followed on the official website: www.roice.ro