Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition to be led by woman for first time

This was reported on Facebook by the National Antarctic Scientific Center, according to Ukrinform.

“For the first time, a year-long expedition team at the Akademik Vernadsky Research Station will be led by a woman – meteorologist Anzhelika Hanchuk. She will head the 31st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition (UAE) for 2026–2027,” the statement said.

Anzhelika Hanchuk has previously worked at the station as a meteorologist. In 2022–2023, she took part in the 27th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition, during which she conducted meteorological, oceanographic, glaciological, aerological, and other studies in Antarctica.

“During the expedition, Anzhelika demonstrated herself as a highly competent specialist with strong leadership qualities, capable of organizing various processes and taking responsibility. At the same time, she is a team player. That is why, among all the candidates, she was selected not only to work in the meteorology field but also to lead the expedition,” said Director of the National Antarctic Scientific Center Yevhen Dykyi.

He also noted that since 2018, a total of 13 women polar researchers have participated in year-long expeditions, while 11 have worked in seasonal expeditions.

The formation of the core team of the 31st expedition will be completed soon.

Anzhelika Hanchuk was born in 1994. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees with honors in meteorology and climatology from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

In 2016, she began working as a weather forecaster in the Meteorological Forecasting Department of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. She was involved in operational weather forecasting, data analysis, monitoring hazardous and extreme meteorological phenomena, and preparing official warnings. For several years, she also worked in the media relations department and presented weather forecasts on the Kyiv TV channel.

After returning from Antarctica, she headed the Numerical Modeling and Forecasting Sector at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center. She is currently engaged in implementing modern numerical models for forecasting weather and hazardous phenomena, adapting forecasting methodologies to national conditions, and integrating satellite data into daily operational practice.

Since 2025, she has also been involved in the educational process at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

She participates in EUMETSAT and Baltic+ programs as a representative and trainer for Ukraine and has undergone training and internships in more than ten countries worldwide.

In Finland, she obtained Master Trainer status in the SmartMet meteorological forecasting system and completed training on operating Vaisala automated weather stations.

As previously reported, the Ukrainian research icebreaker Noosfera is operating south of the Antarctic Circle for the first time, supporting international oceanographic and geological research.

Photo: Facebook / National Antarctic Scientific Center