| Media contacts: | Mary Hanson | (703) 306-1070 | mhanson@nsf.gov |
| Beth Gaston | (703) 306-1070 | egaston@nsf.gov |
Statement by Dr. Neal Lane
Director, National Science Foundation
On Loss of Antarctica Employee
I am deeply saddened by the loss of a member of Antarctica's research team, Chuck Gallagher, who died today of heart failure at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. While we mourn with his family and colleagues, we also celebrate his life of courage, adventure and exploration.
Antarctica is often called "the last frontier." If that is so, then Chuck was a true frontiersman.
Like the 155 other residents who are "wintering over" at McMurdo Station, he knowingly took daily risks in order to support the quest for new knowledge in one of the most isolated locations on earth, during the most unfriendly season possible. Every year, some 650 scientists and their support teams conduct research in Antarctica's unique environment, to discover knowledge that is unavailable anywhere else. They are today's explorers, and their courage will benefit tomorrow's generations.
The National Science Foundation will continue to support these explorers and their research, even as they walk into the face of danger, because we know that the alternative is ignorance. We owe our thanks to Chuck and his colleagues for taking these risks on our behalf.
See also related press release.
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