Project Themes

We fund science in three main program areas.

VULNERABLE WILDLIFE

We need to protect precious Antarctic wildlife and ecosystem diversity for a balanced and sustainable environment.

Antarctica is home to uniquely diverse and vulnerable wildlife - from the blue whale, the largest animal to ever live on our planet, to the microscopic plants and animals that are the foundation of the Southern Ocean food web. Many Antarctic species like penguins and seabirds are listed as vulnerable, endangered or near threatened as the result of natural and human impacts on their ecosystems and environment. Your support means we will grow our understanding of Antarctica's iconic wildlife to inform conservation and management, using cutting- edge technology for the lightest impact.

*Photo: Tas Van Ommen/Australian Antarctic Division*

CLIMATE AND IMPACT

We need accurate predictions of global climate, because future generations rely on us to prevent catastrophic climate change.

Antarctica is the engine room of global climate, profoundly influencing the whole planet through its oceans and atmosphere. Climate change threatens the survival of all living things. By supporting climate science in Antarctica, you help us build the vital knowledge that will protect communities around the world from disasters like bushfires, floods, cyclones and storms which are happening at an unprecedented scale. Accurate predictions of global climate will support the survival of generations to come and inform the choices we need to make for a sustainable future.

HEALTHY OCEANS

We need to understand the mysteries of the Southern Ocean and how it is impacted by human activity, because if our oceans are healthy so are we.

The great Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica has some of the strongest winds and largest waves on the planet. It is our shock absorber, taking up heat and carbon and buffering us from the extremes of the greenhouse effect. But how much can it take? Your support can take us to the hidden depths of the ocean, to discover secrets that will help us to find the balance for ecosystem sustainability and food security for all.