SCAR, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, is the principal organisation dealing with Antarctic scientific research. Formed in 1958 to continue activities begun during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58, it is an interdisciplinary committee of the International Council for Science (ICSU). Its area of interest includes Antarctica, its offshore islands, and the surrounding Southern Ocean including the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Since 1991, Switzerland is an ordinary party (without the right to vote) of the Antartic Treaty.
Being a member of SCAR enables the Swiss Committee on Polar and High Altitude Research to participate in formulating SCAR policy and strategy.
Further, the membership enhances Swiss scientists' access to international cooperation and exchange in Antarctic Research.