Today, 14 February 2026, Romanian researchers involved in the ROICE 2026 Government Science Expedition returned home after completing their mission in Antarctica.

The expedition was coordinated by CSII Iris Tușa, coordinator of the Department of Arctic and Antarctic Research at the National Research and Development Institute for Biological Sciences (INCDSB), which acted as mission organiser. INCDSB obtained the governmental permit issued by the Ministry of the Environment to carry out scientific activities and sampling in Antarctica, including the Antarctic Special Protected Area ASPA 171.

Expedition ROICE 2026 was organised in partnership with University of Bucharest if Romanian Society of Bioengineering and Biotechnologywith the support of sponsors BlueSpace Technology and BT Production.

During the mission, the team carried out complex field research, monitoring, and biological and environmental sampling activities, contributing to strengthening Romania's presence in international polar research.

To mark the conclusion of this expedition on 26 February 2026, in Room Romanian Academy, there will be an event dedicated to the expedition ROICE 2026 and its scientific impact. The event will bring together representatives from academia, research institutions, project partners and supporters.

The programme is available here.