Boundary-spanning coordination for sustainable innovation in Antarctica campaign teams

Antarctic Team Collaboration for Sustainability

Antarctic science teams are at the frontline of climate challenges, facing extreme weather and witnessing environmental changes firsthand. To tackle these global issues, teams must collaborate beyond their immediate group, reaching out to external partners for support, fresh ideas, and new resources.
Our study explores how teams can enhance these boundary-spanning efforts to boost innovation and sustainability in Antarctic research. By improving how teams connect with others, we aim to make resource use more efficient and overcome the unique challenges of working in remote environments.

Collaborating Couples in Antarctica

ICE (isolated, confined, and extreme) environments, such as polar expeditions, put significant psychological pressure on individuals, amplifying interpersonal dynamics due to prolonged proximity and lack of external support. Research shows that the presence of a romantic partner can provide emotional support, but it may also pose additional challenges for the collaborating team. This research investigates how romantic couples balance personal relationships with professional teamwork under such circumstances. By improving how teams can navigate romantic relationships and collaboration in extreme contexts, we aim to overcome the unique challenges of working in remote environments.