Bulgaria to construct Antarctic laboratory for polar scientists

By Burak Dag

ANKARA (AA) — Bulgaria on Wednesday announced plans to build a scientific research laboratory at its Antarctic Base, state-run media reported Wednesday.

The single-story laboratory unit will be located in the Bulgarian St. Kliment Ohridski Antarctic Base on Livingston Island, according to the BTA news agency.

The laboratory unit is planned to be completed within two or three years, funded by the Ministry of Education and Science as part of its National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure initiative.

Planned to host scientists working in a range of fields, including geology, geophysics, biology, hydrobiology, and microbiology, the building will have four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a conference area, and three laboratories.

It will be also designed "to clear itself of accumulating snowdrifts," the news agency reported, adding that it will be powered and heated by diesel generators, along with solar panels to be installed on its roof.

BTA editor Konstantin Karagyozov will cover the expedition on site throughout the scientific team's stay in Antarctica.