Our research addresses critical issues including climate change, the human footprint in Antarctica, the conservation of Antarctic and Southern Ocean wildlife and the sustainable management of Southern Ocean fisheries in the face of increasing demands for fish and krill caused by human population growth.
Our diverse research program covers physical and life sciences in the atmospheric, terrestrial and marine domains, as well as human biology and medical research. It also includes long-term observational activities such as a network of meteorological facilities; ionospheric activity monitoring; seismic, magnetic and GPS networks; and hydrographic and bathymetric (seafloor) mapping.
Our research is directed by the Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan.
Our science supports Australia’s role in many international treaty bodies including the:
- Committee for Environmental Protection of the Antarctic Treaty
- Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
- International Whaling Commission
- Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
Projects are undertaken in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic, on the Southern Ocean and in Australia. Antarctic science is highly collaborative, bringing together researchers from across Australia and around the world.
Search our project database for research undertaken by Australian and international researchers as part of the Australian Antarctic Program.