ARTICLES
How a Trip to Antarctica Became a Real-life Experiment in
Decision-making
By Sarah Hamylton and Rachelle Balez
Adelaide Island, a potentially difficult 24-hour return detour. This
foray into rough open ocean would likely lead to seasickness
for some. Alternatively, we could remain and explore the calm
protected waters of Crystal Sound for a couple of days.
This adventurous tale is part of our occasional long-read series
“Zoom Out”. Enjoy!
We were part of a group of 77 women travelling by ship to an
Antarctic research station when our route was blocked by
icebergs. We had to make a decision: should we detour into
rough open ocean to reach the target site, or abandon plans to
visit Rothera Research Station, and settle instead for a few days
of exploring Antarctica’s calmer, protected waters?
This is the story of “Rothera-gate”, a leadership development
experience on the largest all-female expedition to Antarctica.
The 2018 expedition was the culmination of a year-long strategic
leadership initiative for women scientists called “Homeward
Bound”.
Men typically hold the leadership positions in STEMM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine). In
recognition of this, the Homeward Bound initiative works
with women in science to enhance their opportunity to take
up leadership roles globally, and contribute proactively to a
sustainable world.
The Homeward Bound initiative works with women in science to
enhance their opportunity to take up leadership roles globally.
Oli Samson, Author provided
Headed for Rothera
Our experience took place whilst travelling down the Antarctic
Peninsula to Rothera, a British research station at 67° south,
just inside the Antarctic Circle. This was intended to be the
southernmost point of our journey. Whilst our group largely
consisted of women, several men were on board, including
the captain of the ship (in charge from a legal perspective),
the expedition leader and members of the Homeward Bound
“Faculty” (a group of ten experts coordinating, organising and
delivering the formal scientific leadership program throughout
the voyage).
Under other circumstances, such as a tourist passenger cruise, a
unilateral decision would be taken by the captain and expedition
leader. However, given the different and unique aims of our
journey, this decision was handed over to the Homeward Bound
organisational team (the “faculty”) who, in turn, consulted the
participants. An inclusive and supportive discussion between
all the 77 women assembled in the lounge of the ship followed,
before a ‘closed eye’ vote was taken, which allowed participants
to express their preference for either staying put or pushing on
to Rothera without being influenced by the views of those around
them – the overall outcome noted by the observing faculty. We
voted overwhelmingly to venture outside Adelaide Island and
push on south to Rothera.
Our presence in Rothera would be a special occasion, as not
many Antarctic ships make it that far south – only two ship visits
are permitted each year. Ours was to be the final visit before the
base closed for a two-year refurbishment.
Plan B – and then Plan A again
On day 13 of our voyage, within 75km of Rothera, we passed
into a narrow passage known as ‘The Gullet’ between Adelaide
Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. Wind and waves had
blown icebergs into the passage, blocking our way south. Our
expedition leader announced that a difficult decision had to be
made: should we or should we not continue to Rothera? To keep
going we would need to double back and around the outside of
To our surprise, a decision was subsequently taken by the faculty
not to press on south. Some of us were surprised that our collective
vote was not itself the deciding factor; others were surprised that
the decision made was not in line with the majority vote. Many of
us were severely disappointed, despite being reassured that the
well-being of individuals had been prioritised.
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SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 67 NO 3