The Australian Antarctic Science Council advises Government on the Australian Antarctic Science Program, including Antarctic science priorities.

The council has responsibility for development, oversight and reporting on the Australian Antarctic Science Decadal Strategy, within the framework of the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan.

Australian Antarctic Science Decadal Strategy

The direction for Australian influence and leadership in world-class polar science is set out in the Australian Antarctic Science Decadal Strategy.

The strategy utilises Australia’s world-leading science icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, as the cornerstone of Australia’s operational, logistical and technological capabilities in Antarctica.

Australia’s Antarctic science strategic focus areas include:

  • Climate system and change
  • Biodiversity
  • Human Impacts
  • Key enabling capabilities:
    • Monitoring Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
    • Data and Technical Innovation including an integrated digital strategy for East Antarctica.

The strategy was developed in consultation with the Australian Antarctic science community and the Australian Antarctic Division.

The Council

Council membership comprises:

  • Chair, Dr Nick Gales
  • Independent Member, Professor Andrew Pitman AO
  • Independent Member, Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO
  • Ex officio members:
    • Chair, National Committee for Antarctic Research
    • Head of Division, Australian Antarctic Division
    • CEO, Australian Research Council
    • Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
    • Bureau of Meteorology
    • CSIRO
    • Geoscience Australia
    • Chair, Australian Antarctic Program Partnership
    • Chair, Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future Special Research Initiative
    • Chair, Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science

The Chief Scientist of the Australian Antarctic Division serves as the Executive Officer to the Council.

Contact

Australian Antarctic Science Council Secretariat, Australian Antarctic Division AASC@aad.gov.au.

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