Contestable Funding Round “life changing” for early career researcher

The Antarctic Science Platform is delighted to share some great feedback from the recipient of the Early Career Research Development, Dr Kyle Clem.

In 2019 Kyle Clem received $10,000, originally to travel to the University of California- Santa Barbara to collaborate with leading researchers there on experiments with coupled atmosphere-ocean computer simulations. However, due to COVID-19 disruptions the plan changed, and he focused on developing new domestic collaboration opportunities. He visited the University of Canterbury to work with Dr. Marwan Katurji and contribute to Project 3 – Ross Sea Ecosystem in a Warming World initiatives, attended the New Zealand Workshop on Artificial Intelligence Research in April and spent three weeks working with the team at Bodeker Scientific. Dr Clem says, without exaggeration, the opportunities provided by this funding were life changing and he was able to form new and exciting collaborations.

He says it wasn’t just connections with people he went to visit, it was unexpected conversations and collaborations along the way. These chance meetings have inspired and shaped the next stage of this research journey.

“It has literally been life changing, and is shaping and guiding the next 5-10+ years of my career. I know this grant was highly competitive, and I just want to say thank you so much for this opportunity. I want you to know it has been a massive boost to my early career development,” he says.

Antarctic Science Platform Director Nancy Bertler says this type of feedback is heart-warming.

“Because of the relevance, complexity and urgency of our research, we need to actively recruit the brightest minds to work and collaborate with us. It is particularly gratifying to see an outstanding early career researcher such as Kyle benefiting from this funding to engage with the ASP community and leverage existing research efforts. It is critical that we support our rising stars in their research journey and help us in the race to mitigate and adapt to climate change consequences.

You can read more about the funding round here