National Centre for Antarctic & Ocean Research

	The National Centre for Antarctic & Ocean Research (NCAOR) was established as an autonomous R & D Institution of the Department of Ocean Development (now known as Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India) on the 25th May 1998.
	With a mission mandate that is quite challenging, the Centre is designated as the nodal organisation for the co-ordination and implementation of the Indian Antarctic Programme, including the maintenance of India's permanent station in Antarctica.
	Spread across 147,660 sq. mts sprawling area, set atop a picturesque plateau, NCAOR is located in India’s most seafaring state of Goa.
	At NCAOR the scientific mandate is multidisciplinary. Operating in a complex matrix, which has as its focal theme, research in those areas of the polar science currently not being undertaken by any other institution in India.
	In a rapid stride, not only have the basic infrastructure and computing facilities been established, but also true scientific recognition earned. The Universities of Goa and Mangalore have recognized NCAOR as a research centre for the pursuit of doctoral research.
	India’s commitment to continue research in Antarctica and also to preserve the pristine environment was given a concrete shape with the establishment of the first polar and R&D lab at NCAOR. For the first time in the country, a low temperature laboratory complex at –25o C has been established for the preservation and analysis of ice core and snow samples, not only from Antarctica but also from Himalayas. In addition, an ultra clean laboratory has been established to study the ice samples in a pristine environment.
	The jewel in the NCAOR’s scientific crown is the upkeep of the year round Indian station in Antarctica, ‘Maitri’. Maitri was established in 1989 and allows Indian scientists to conduct critical studies across all areas of polar research. This is a modern station that has comfortable living accommodation, a well-equipped library and a state of the art laboratory & communication system.
	Another important mandate given to NCAOR is the management of Oceanic Research Vessel (ORV) Sagar Kanya – a multidisciplinary Oceanographic Research Vessel dedicated to the survey & exploration of high seas. Commissioned in 1983, Sagar Kanya has been the flagship of the country for multi-agency oceanographic studies in Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The vessel has contributed extensively for understanding the seas around the Indian sub-continent during the last seventeen years.
	NCAOR research is forever dedicated to adding global value, by extending the frontiers of science. This has found a multifaceted expression, through participation in global experiments, hosting of international conferences and in the leadership of international committees concerned with this endeavor.

 

	Undertake, aid, promote, guide and co-ordinate scientific research in the fields of polar science and Southern Ocean Oceanography.
	Serve as a nodal agency responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of the Indian Antarctic and Arctic Programmes.
	Establish and maintain research base in Antarctica & Arctic and provide all operational and logistic support.
	Encourage multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research both at National and International levels, especially in the frontier areas of science, which are emerging and have potential applications.
	Devise, formulate and initiate programs, which will create knowledge base for future commercial and thematic interests of India in Antarctica, Arctic and the Southern Ocean.
	Effectively interact and liaise with SCAR, COMNAP, ATS, CEP and other international bodies in order to keep the Indian Antarctic Program abreast with international developments and to ensure a perceptible presence of India in the global frame work of nations in Antarctica.
	Extend a singular research laboratory setup with such facilities which are of specialized nature or otherwise not easily accessible.
	Develop predictive models for dynamic processes controlled and driven by Antarctica and the surrounding oceans.
	Co-ordinate, address and monitor all environmental issues in Antarctica arising out of the Environmental Protocol.
	Develop a complete database inventory and repository (National Antarctic Data Centre) for Antarctic and Arctic Science and logistics including a polar museum and a library.
	Provide a fertile platform to generate specialized human resource capabilities for polar science and logistics through training, fellowships, awards, workshops, publications, and exchange of scientists etc., both at national and international levels.
	Cruise planning and management of the oceanographic research vessels engaged by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the NCAOR.
	Take up other scientific and technological projects of the Ministry of Earth Sciences when entrusted.