The U.S. National Science Foundation is committed to ensuring that all U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) stations, field sites and NSF-funded science and education programs are free from sexual assault and harassment.
To assist in this effort, the NSF Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response (SAHPR) Office is working with the Office of Polar Programs and the USAP community to:
- Establish NSF policies and training programs to prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment.
- Cultivate an organizational climate of mutual trust and respect that encourages survivors to report incidents without fear of retaliation.
- Ensure sensitive and comprehensive care and treatment of survivors.
- Ensure all USAP partner organizations understand their roles and responsibilities to prevent and report sexual assault and sexual harassment.
- Establish continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms that track the effectiveness of NSF policies and programs.
On this page
Reporting options for the USAP community
The safety of all USAP participants is NSF’s top priority. NSF encourages reporting any incidents of sexual assault or harassment in USAP to the SAHPR office at saferscience@nsf.gov. The following reporting options are currently available:
If you would like to submit a formal complaint to the SAHPR office, NSF will request your consent to refer the matter (including personally identifiable information) to the responsible organization for investigation and response.
The SAHPR office will follow up with that organization to make sure that the matter is appropriately addressed based on the most relevant organizational policies and legal standards.
It is unlawful to retaliate against an individual because they have made a complaint of harassment or discrimination or participated in any manner in a harassment or discrimination investigation or complaint process conducted by federal agencies or an employer.
Retaliation is also inconsistent with the Polar Code of Conduct.
Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response Office
The SAHPR office serves as NSF’s central point of contact for reporting sexual assault and harassment incidents in the U.S. Antarctic Program and are responsible for overseeing comprehensive prevention policies and practices.
Its mission is to promote safe and inclusive research environments by eliminating instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment through prevention education, victim-centered support, retaliation-free reporting and organizational accountability.
Resources for USAP participants
For current and former USAP participants
If you are a current or former USAP participant and a survivor of sexual assault or harassment, the below resources are available to you.
The NSF Antarctic Helpline is a 24/7 crisis support service available specifically for members of the USAP community who experience sexual assault and/or sexual harassment.
Through this service, helpline support specialists provide live, confidential, one-on-one crisis intervention, emotional support and information about support and reporting resources.
Website and online chat: NSFAntarcticHelpline.org
Call: 833-673-1733
Text: 202-932-7569
Due to a recent issue, the USAP Victim Advocate email address is currently offline and will not be able to receive or respond to emails. During this time, you have several options:
- Call the confidential USAP Victim Advocate voicemail and leave a message for the on-call Victim Advocate at 720-568-1083.
- On-ice stations can access the USAP Victim Advocate voicemail by calling extension 42709.
- Email the SAHPR Program Office at saferscience@nsf.gov requesting a referral to the USAP Victim Advocate.
The NSF SAHPR Program Office staff, with your consent, will coordinate with the remote Victim Advocate to respond to you as soon as possible. NSF SAHPR program staff are also available to assist with questions and concerns about filing a sexual assault or sexual harassment complaint and can support you through the process.
Additionally, the NSF Antarctic Helpline is available and more information can be found at nsfantarctichelpline.org or by calling 1-833-673-1733.
We will keep the USAP community informed as soon as this problem has been resolved.
For current USAP participants only
If you are a current USAP participant in Antarctica, the below resources and services are also available to you.
Are you experiencing an emergency and need immediate assistance in Antarctica? Contact the following:
McMurdo Station and South Pole Station
Call 9-1-1.
Palmer Station
Call for help on the radio.
USAP vessel
Call for help on the radio or call the captain of the vessel.
In the field
Call the McMurdo Dispatch at (720) 568-1042.
For all USAP stations, vessels and fields
You can also contact the special deputy U.S. marshal by phone at (720) 568-1039.
For medical services, such as physical examinations, medical forensic exams and preventative treatments, contact:
McMurdo Station medical services
- Local extension: x42551
- Pager: 876
South Pole Station medical services
- Local extension: x61602
- Radio call number: 242
Palmer Station medical services
- Local extension: x52778
The USAP licensed clinical counselor provides confidential mental health support and counseling services.
Email: mcm-counselor@usap.gov
The NSF station manager is deputized as a special deputy U.S. marshal with law enforcement responsibilities on the ice. These duties include investigating certain alleged crimes that occur in the Antarctic.
The special deputy U.S. marshal is stationed in McMurdo and is available 24/7.
Email: mcm-nsfstmgr@usap.gov
Phone: (720) 568-1039
Contact us
For any questions, comments, suggestions or concerns regarding sexual assault or harassment in the USAP, please contact:
NSF's SAHPR office
Email: saferscience@nsf.gov
Phone: (703) 292–4470
If you do not receive an acknowledgment within 48 hours, please follow up to ensure the SAHPR office has received your communication.
For media and press inquiries, please contact the NSF public affairs office at media@nsf.gov or (703) 292-8070.