30 years of the Antarctic station “Academician Vernadsky”

30 years ago, on February 6, 1996, Great Britain transferred the Antarctic station “Faraday” to Ukraine, which was later renamed “Academician Vernadsky.”

At the station, Ukrainians not only continued but also significantly expanded their research, adding comprehensive biological studies to geophysical and meteorological ones. Our scientists study almost the entire geosphere — from living organisms to climate, the ocean, magnetic fields, and space weather. Research at Vernadsky continues year-round and did not stop even during the war with Russia and the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the observations at Ukraine's Vernadsky Station are the longest in Antarctica: climate data has been measured since 1947, the Earth's magnetic field since 1954, and ozone concentration since 1957. This research, which allows us to track changes on our planet, is an important contribution by Ukraine to global science.

In addition to the Akademik Vernadsky station, Ukraine has an ice-class research vessel in Antarctica, the Noosphere, which provides logistics and conducts research, particularly within the framework of international cooperation.

On February 6, 2026, the postage stamp “30 Years of the Akademik Vernadsky Antarctic Station” will be put into circulation and will be valid for payment of postal services in all post offices.

Stamp No. 2223 “30 Years of the Antarctic Station ”Academician Vernadsky".

Stamp size – 40x40 mm.

Stamp denomination – U (corresponds to the tariff for sending a domestic plain letter without declared value weighing up to 50 grams and a postcard).

Stamp No. 2222 (2222-B) — Biathlon

Circulation of the stamp – 630,000 copies. Circulation of the commemorative envelope – 15,000 copies, cards – 15,000 copies, folders – 400 copies.

Printing method – offset.

The stamp was printed on PC “Ukraine”.

Block print run: 55,200 copies (including 5,200 imperforate and numbered copies intended for Exclusive and Exclusive+ philatelic subscription holders, placement in the book “Postage Stamps of Ukraine 2026”, and to encourage active members of the philatelic community)

The design of the stamp, commemorative envelope, cards, and folders is by Oksana Shuklinova.

The issue was carried out with the support of the National Antarctic Scientific Center.

Photos by D. Kajetan (Poland) and Oksana Savenko.

Cancellation with a special “First Day” postmark will take place in Kyiv, 01001. SDP No. 1039

Simultaneously with the introduction of the postage stamp into circulation on 06.02.2026:

- a special postmark with the transfer date “NOOSFERA ice-class research vessel” will be introduced, which will be used on the research vessel during the expedition;

- a special cancellation will be made: “Ice-class research vessel NOOSFERA. Kyiv 01001.”