For the first time, a woman will lead a Ukrainian Antarctic expedition
For the first time in history, a woman will lead the Ukrainian Antarctic expedition. Meteorologist Anzhelika Ganchuk has been appointed head of the 31st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition (UAE). This was announced by the National Antarctic Scientific Centre (NASC).
Anzhelika Hanchuk already has experience working in Antarctica: she was a member of the 27th expedition in 2022–2023. During the year-long winter stay, the scientist conducted meteorological, oceanographic, glaciological and aerological research, as well as working in other areas of observation.
The National Antarctic Scientific Centre notes that during the previous expedition, Ganchuk proved herself to be a specialist with strong leadership qualities, capable of organising complex processes, making responsible decisions and working effectively in a team. It was these qualities that were decisive in the competitive selection of the expedition leader.
The National Antarctic Scientific Centre is currently finalising the main composition of the 31st expedition. The names of all participants are planned to be announced in the near future on the institution's social media pages.
The centre also notes that since 2018, the Ukrainian Antarctic programme has undergone significant changes in terms of gender equality. After almost two decades of unspoken restrictions, 24 female scientists have been involved in work in Antarctica, 13 of whom have participated in annual expeditions.
Anzhelika Hanchuk holds bachelor's and master's degrees in meteorology and climatology, obtained with honours from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Since 2016, she has worked as a forecaster at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES), as well as handling media communications and presenting weather forecasts on the Kyiv TV channel.
Her professional responsibilities included operational weather forecasting, analysis of meteorological data, monitoring of hazardous and natural phenomena, and preparation of official warnings. After returning from Antarctica in 2023, Hanchuk headed the numerical modelling and forecasting sector of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre, and in 2025 she joined the teaching staff at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
In addition, the scientist actively participates in international projects and has completed professional internships and training in more than ten countries around the world.
Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition, Anzhelika Ganchuk, Ukraine, National Antarctic Scientific Centre, women in science
