Byrd Polar Research Center: Past and Present
Ohio State University has had a research interest in Antarctica for many decades. Beginning in the 1930's, Professor Richard Goldthwait, a geologist, commenced research studies and used radar to measure the thickness of ice. After the International Geophysical Year of 1957, which was primarily scientific investigations of Antarctica, the University served as a data processing center for compiling data sent from scientific stations on the frozen continent. In 1961, under the leadership of Professor Goldthwait, The Ohio State University created the Institute of Polar Studies. The Institute provided opportunities for OSU scientists in different academic departments to collaborate and exchange ideas about research in polar regions.
Dr. Goldthwait knew Admiral Byrd and members of Byrd’s family, and was instrumental in bringing the collection to The Ohio State University in 1985. As a living memorial to Admiral Byrd, the Institute of Polar Studies was renamed the Byrd Polar Research Center. The library of the Center is named in honor of Dr. Goldthwait.
The Byrd Polar Research Center is one of the largest and most active polar research centers in the United States. Research projects span a variety of disciplines and include paleoclimatology, geology, meteorology, biology, glaciology, and remote sensing. Research at the Center is funded by numerous foundations and governmental agencies, including the National Science Foundation and NASA. Byrd Center members collaborate with scientists from all over the world and Byrd Center alumni are well represented in international polar research centers. Research results are published in peer reviewed journals. The Center also publishes a report series which is available on an exchange/gift basis.
Return to Exhibits Page or visit the Byrd Polar Research Center at The Ohio State University