Victoria Valdivia, MA

What’s the work that you do?

I’m a senior analyst responsible for researching political and international affairs aspects of Antarctic activities. My goal is to improve outreach activities with academia and the science sector. In my studies on security and defense, I focus on the connection between space security and Antarctic affairs, with the goal to contribute to preventing the emplacement of counterspace capabilities on Antarctic territories. I am also interested in the consequences of space debris on the circumpolar current and its impact on Antarctic and subantarctic ecosystems. Space debris could impact on food security and therefore has a strong social dimension that must be measured.

What keeps you going?

I like my job because I can mix my two passions: research and strategic planning. In my daily work, I can improve human relations and contribute to human security and the safety of Antarctic operations.

What’s your message to the world?

Working on Antarctic matters has shown me the most incredible human values. Each step in Antarctica means a lot of teamwork, where every single person is necessary to achieve success and to be able to return home. Following the Southern Cross is an incredible experience that confronts you with how tiny we are in comparison to the Antarctic Ocean and the continent itself. Preserving this place is key for the future of humankind because even if we conquer new planets, there is just one that we call home: Antarctica means future and hope. For that, we must make stronger efforts and keep collaborating across different disciplines. I want to emphasise how important it is to engage the humanities and social sciences in Antarctic affairs: to create new capabilities and to raise awareness about the marvelous sixth continent.