More than 400 polar experts will converge on Hobart next week for the biennial Australian Antarctic Research Conference, hosted by the University of Tasmania.
The conference, themed “Antarctic science, Australia’s future”, runs from August 25 to 28 and organiser say it comes at a time of rapid climate-related changes on and around Antarctica.
Topics span Antarctic ice loss and its impacts, protecting Antarctica from existing and emerging threats, the past, present and future of Antarctic and Southern Ocean systems, innovations in research capabilities and how Antarctic research can inform decision-making.
Delphine Lannuzel, co-chair of the conference steering committee and leader of the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership, said the region is both vital to the planet’s climate system and deeply affected by global heating.
“Changes in this region have world-wide reach, influencing global ocean circulation, Australian and Pacific weather patterns and global sea level rise,” she said.
“The future of the Antarctic Ice Sheet and the implications of melting for sea levels are central to Australia’s coastal management as well as the welfare of the world’s population.”
Nerilie Abram, the other co-chair and Chief Scientist at the Australian Antarctic Division, said the meeting will strengthen links between university researchers and government agencies as part of delivering the Australian Antarctic Science Decadal Strategy.
“The conference is designed to foster collaboration between institutions and across disciplines, from humanities to glaciology, from atmospheric science to technology, from tourism to tipping points,” she said.
The program includes more than 20 plenary presentations, seven keynotes and more than 100 presentations across 27 parallel sessions, including 35 lightning talks.
Other highlights include an Early Career Researchers Day, a welcome reception at the University’s new city campus The Forest, an Antarctic Women’s Network breakfast and swim and a free public event on August 26 called “Ice and Fire: The Mystery of Heard Island”.
The conference is jointly sponsored by the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership, the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future and the Australian Antarctic Division, with support from the Tasmanian Government.
