Why the Polar Code of Conduct Is Key to Scientific Success

At Battelle, we understand that scientific success in the polar regions relies not only on technical expertise and logistical precision, but also on how we conduct ourselves. Nathan Biletnikoff, Environmental Stewardship Manager at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), knows this firsthand. His journey from the ice fields of Antarctica to the leadership corridors of LANL is a powerful reminder that behavior, respect, and responsibility are foundational to meaningful research.

Nathan’s leadership was shaped by eight years with the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), where he led oil spill prevention and response efforts in one of the most remote and operationally complex environments on Earth. His work demanded cross-agency coordination, rapid adaptation, and decisions with long-term environmental consequences. These experiences instilled in him a deep commitment to safety, collaboration, and mission-focused execution, values that align closely with Battelle’s Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles.

But technical excellence alone isn’t enough. Nathan believes that the success of polar research hinges on the standards we set for ourselves and each other. That’s why he’s a champion for the Polar Code of Conduct, issued by the National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs. This policy outlines expectations for behavior in the Arctic and Antarctic, emphasizing dignity, respect, safety, and environmental stewardship. Battelle also applies this policy to all its management of National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) projects in the Arctic.

“In Antarctica, there’s no margin for error,” Nathan says. “The way we treat each other and the environment directly affects our ability to do meaningful research. The Polar Code of Conduct protects that mission.

The Code applies to all personnel including researchers, contractors, students, and federal staff working in NSF-managed polar stations, field camps, ships, and aircraft. It sets minimum expectations for personal and professional behavior, including prohibitions against harassment, substance abuse, and misconduct. It also reinforces the importance of respecting local communities, international treaties, and environmental protections.

Nathan’s leadership continues at LANL, where he integrates these values into environmental compliance and safety programs. His work reflects a broader truth: scientific success is not just about discovery—it’s about how we get there. ThePolar Code of Conduct ensures that the journey is grounded in integrity, respect, and shared responsibility.

As Battelle supports polar research and operations, Nathan’s story reminds us that the standards we uphold are just as important as the science we pursue. The Polar Code of Conduct isn’t just a policy—it’s a blueprint for success in the world’s most challenging environments.