For the next 12 months he’ll be responsible for leading Australia’s largest Antarctic research station.

“I'm very excited to have the opportunity to go south again. Casey is going to be an absolute hive of activity this summer season,” he said.

“We have a number of projects, including the start of the traverse for the million year ice core program.”

At the height of the season, more than a hundred and thirty expeditioners will live at Casey, covering trades, science, support and infrastructure.

Winter will see the number will reduce to around thirty, including the team responsible for managing Wilkins Aerodrome 70 kilometres away.

After his first summer at Davis research station in 2000, Ben served with the Australian Defence Force, working in East Timor and Afghanistan.

“I've always been fascinated by the world around me and one of the amazing things my career has provided is the opportunity to go to all these amazing places.”

Sitting still is challenge, even on his downtime.

“When I'm not working, I love to get out on my mountain bike. I also love sailing and for the last few years I've had a wonderful sailing crew on Sydney Harbour.”

“There won't be any sailing in Casey, although there is a wonderful expanse of water out the front and so I'll be taking whatever photos I can of whatever wildlife I get to see.”

As for his slushy (kitchen duty) playlist?

“It will have a fair bit of indie rock on it, some Spiderbait and some Pixies, but you've got to keep it new so you'll also find a little bit of K-Pop and some BLACKPINK definitely.”