(British Antarctic Survey, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK)

David Blake is currently Head of Technology and Engineering at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).  His responsibilities include the management of technology and engineering research and the development and provision of equipment and facilities in Antarctica and Cambridge.  Technology is necessary to enable personnel to live and work in Antarctica and a sustainable approach is essential.  His work encompasses ships, airborne platforms, vehicles, field instrumentation and ICT.

David is Chair of the IET’s technical and professional network on engineering for a sustainable future.

He also chairs the Antarctic community’s network on technology and energy management.  One of the key issues for Antarctic operators is to reduce environmental impact and operating costs.  Automated data acquisition systems and platforms provide a means of acquiring science data without the need to regularly visit remote sites.  BAS has successfully used UAS in Antarctica and will extend their application as opportunities permit.   

Before joining the British Antarctic Survey, David worked for the Ministry of Defence developing instrumentation, systems and facilities for ballistics research.  He has also within the electronics industry as an engineer for both major companies and small enterprises.