As Captain Scott lay dying on the Ross Ice Shelf on 29 March 1912, he finished his powerful diary entry with the words: “For God’s Sake look after our people”.

His courage inspired so many, that a major appeal was launched to do just that. The proceeds of the Lord Mayor of London’s Appeal were used to provide for the dependants of Captain Scott and his companions.

However, enough money was raised also to continue Scott’s work both through the publication of the expedition’s scientific reports, and with the foundation of a multi-disciplinary Institute of Polar Studies. Today, the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) remains a leading international centre for the pursuit of scientific excellence in both Polar Regions.

As part of the University of Cambridge, it is the oldest centre for polar research within a University. It is unique for its inclusive, bi-polar and circum-polar vision, including the sciences, social sciences and humanities. Current research groups are focusing on polar climate change and related issues. SPRI also contains the world’s premier Polar Library and a globally important Archive, Museum and Picture Library.

100 years on, however, SPRI needs an endowment to better meet the challenges of 21st century polar studies. Support for SPRI, is therefore a key part of the Scott centenary aims and those of the International Scott Centenary Expedition, 2012.

For more information on the Scott Polar Research Institute visit www.spri.cam.ac.uk