Chilean Antarctic scientist convicted of raping female researcher during 2019 expedition

A Chilean Antarctic scientist has been found guilty of raping a female researcher during a 2019 expedition on the Byers Peninsula, Antarctica. The identities of the two researchers were withheld in line with protections for victims and witnesses. A court in Magallanes, in southern Chile, convicted the man of attacking the French researcher while the pair rested in a tent amid extreme conditions.

The attack occurred while the two were conducting a doctoral project on the peninsula. Prosecutors said the defendant seized the moment when conditions were harsh and inhospitable, exploiting the environment to carry out the assault. He is to be sentenced on Oct. 3. Chilean law currently prescribes prison terms of three to 15 years for rape. The case is among several recent reminders of safety concerns raised by sexual harassment and assault in Antarctic research stations.

Sexual harassment and assault are described as deeply prevalent among those working at Antarctic research stations, according to a 2022 poll conducted by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The study found that 72% of women cited harassment as a problem, while 47% reported sexual assault. Among men, 48% said harassment was an issue and 33% said they had experienced assault. In discussing the survey, some respondents described a pervasive environment in which safety concerns were widespread and women in particular faced ongoing risks.

Helen Fricker of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, said the 2022 findings were more shocking than expected, noting that some respondents described experiences of rape. The same year’s reporting by the Australian Antarctic Division highlighted additional incidents ranging from harassment and unwanted physical contact to the sharing of offensive or pornographic material and sexist jokes, underscoring a broader pattern of misconduct in remote research settings.

Experts say the case underscores the ongoing need for robust safety protocols, safeguarding measures, and clear reporting channels in remote fieldwork. While the Antarctic environment presents unique logistical and logistical challenges, authorities and researchers emphasize that respecting consent and protecting personnel must remain a top priority as expeditions continue in extreme conditions.