Bob Hawke’s 30-year Antarctic legacy honoured with $1.7 m philanthropic science commitment
Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke with former French Prime Minister Michel Rocard commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty in Hobart📸Glenn Jacobson / Australian Antarctic Division
Thirty years after Bob Hawke led the historic ban on mining in Antarctica, the Antarctic Science Foundation has called for a renewed international commitment to science and conservation on the frozen continent.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Madrid Protocol on Monday, the Foundation has announced a $1.7-million commitment to fund the prestigious R.J.L. Hawke Fellowship in Antarctic Environmental Science over the next decade.
The Hawke Fellowship was established in 2009 to honour the late Prime Minister’s contribution to Antarctic conservation, in particular his diplomatic leadership that led to the 1991 Madrid Protocol.
At the time, Mr. Hawke insisted that Antarctica was too fragile, and too precious, to ever allow mining — and he worked closely with French Prime Minister, Michel Rocard, to overcome international resistance.
Bob’s granddaughter, Sophie Taylor-Price, a Member of The Antarctic Science Foundation Board, said the Antarctic mining ban still stands as Australia’s greatest contribution to nature conservation and research.
“At my pop’s funeral two years ago, I told of when he teamed up with one of his heroes, Jacques Cousteau, to lead the international fight against mining in Antarctica,” Ms. Taylor-Price said.
“It is a powerful parable of international leadership that resonates today, because it shows what can be achieved when there is a burning purpose.”
“He was told mining in Antarctica was a done deal and that there was nothing that could be done, but his response was ‘bugger that.’”
Sophie Taylor Price, granddaughter of Bob Hawke and Board Member of The Antarctic Science Foundation
“I believe this legacy needs to be defended by all Australians, which is why I am so humbled to be able to help support the next generation of Antarctic research in his name.”
The Antarctic Science Foundation engages a global supporter network to fund catalytic Antarctic research.
The Foundation’s CEO, Andrew Kelly, pointed to the generosity of supporters as the true enabler for ambitious projects.
“Our decision to support the Hawke Fellowship is only possible because of the commitment, vision and interest of generous people” Mr. Kelly said.
Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke visited Wilkins Aerodrome in East Antarctica in 2013.
📸Jeff Hadley / Australian Antarctic Division
“Each of our supporters has made a deep commitment, backing these dedicated, tenacious researchers to embark upon ambitious, visionary science to provide insights for sustainable life on our planet.”
Established in 2009 by the Australian Antarctic Division, the R.J.L. Hawke Fellowship in Antarctic Environmental Science is awarded to new doctoral graduates for excellence in policy-relevant science aligned to the Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan.
The Division has worked closely with the Antarctic Science Foundation to see this new chapter of the R.J.L. Hawke Fellowship come to life.
With the support of philanthropic funding, it’s hoped the Fellowship can be expanded to create greater Antarctic science research opportunities.
Past recipients include Dr. Bruce Deagle, Dr. Rowan Trebilco, Dr Bishakhdatta Gayen and Dr. Julie McInnes.