ACEAS takes Antarctic science to the heart of decision-making in Canberra
In late November, the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS) travelled to Canberra for two important events to engage Australian decision makers in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.
University-led Antarctic science reception at Australian Parliament House
On Monday 24 November, ACEAS joined a university-led Antarctic science reception at Australian Parliament House, hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of the Antarctic co-chairs Senators Richard Dowling, Jonathon Duniam, and Peter Whish-Wilson.
The event brought together federal parliamentarians and scientists from ACEAS, the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) and Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), to share emerging insights from Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.
The reception celebrated the contribution of university-led Antarctic research to the Australian Antarctic Program and raised awareness of its importance to Australia’s national interests.
Showcasing Antarctic science at the Shine Dome
On Tuesday 25 November, more than 70 attendees from government, research and policy sectors came together for the ACEAS Showcase at the Shine Dome to explore how Antarctic science underpins Australia’s national capabilities and informs decisions that matter for generations to come.
A video welcome message was delivered by Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, followed by an opening address by Dr Nick Gales, Chair of the Australian Antarctic Science Council and remarks by ACEAS Chair, Professor Mary O’Kane AC. Science presentations followed, with a keynote presentation delivered by ACEAS Deputy Director Professor Matthew England (UNSW), who shared emerging evidence of abrupt changes in the Antarctic environment. Other presentations focused on ocean circulation, ice sheet change, carbon cycling, Antarctic fisheries and krill management, and sea floor biodiversity. A special panel discussion shared insights from RSV Nuyina’s first dedicated science voyage earlier this year. Discussions focused on how bold research strengthens Australia’s ability to anticipate change, manage environmental risks, and lead in Antarctic stewardship.
The Showcase also provided opportunities for policymakers to connect with scientists and peers, fostering collaboration across climate policy, environmental management, national security, and international diplomacy.
Creating accessible science for decision makers
ACEAS Director, Professor Matt King (UTAS), highlighted the importance of both events to fulfilling ACEAS’s objective of helping communities prepare for the climate risks emerging from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
“These events were a fantastic opportunity to connect Antarctic and Southern Ocean science with the people shaping Australia’s future,” said Professor King. “At Parliament House, we shared with parliamentarians how we’re working together to reveal how changes in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean affect Australia and the world. The ACEAS Showcase at the Shine Dome allowed us to dig deeper into the science with policymakers and public servants, demonstrating how university-led Antarctic research underpins national capabilities and informs decisions that matter for generations to come.”
A track record of policy-relevant science
The events build on ACEAS’s commitment and track record of delivering policy-relevant science to decision makers.
Earlier in November, ACEAS scientists were part of a panel of Australian Antarctic scientists who delivered a briefing about abrupt changes in the Antarctic environment to delegates at COP30, and a new ACEAS Explainer on the Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) was also published.
In October, ACEAS’s Australian Fur Seals explainer was delivered to a range of stakeholders during the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meeting in Hobart, helping inform international decision-making processes.
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