Inspectors Dispatched to US Antarctic Research Station Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The oversight body for the National Science Foundation (NSF) is deploying investigators to McMurdo Station in Antarctica following raised alarms regarding sexual misconduct incidents at this American scientific outpost.

The NSF, a government entity, acknowledged intensifying its initiatives to combat what it identifies as a widespread issue. On Friday, it publicized the designation of Renée Ferranti as a special aide to the NSF’s director, tasked with enhancing the organization’s measures against sexual assault and harassment.

An investigation by Big Big News in August exposed a troubling trend among women at McMurdo Station who reported that their allegations of harassment or assault were often trivialized by superiors, resulting in repeated risks to their safety and that of their colleagues.

Documents procured by the Associated Press reveal plans by the NSF Office of Inspector General to conduct an on-site inquiry from the start of next week until November 17.

In an email to the AP