TasPorts backs next generation of Antarctic Scientists

Eight early-career scientists will receive grants of up to $5000 to advance their research on the Antarctic continent, thanks to the support of TasPorts, the Tasmanian Polar Network, and the Antarctic Science Foundation’s early-career researcher’s grant scheme.

Representing universities from across Australia and Europe, their research spans multiple disciplines, from microbiology and geology to meteorology and wildlife conservation. 

Several projects will focus on understanding how climate change is reshaping Antarctic ecosystems, while others will develop new methodologies for studying the continent's unique environments.

The recipients will use their grant to purchase equipment, collaborate with international experts, undergo fieldwork training and present their findings at conferences.

TasPorts Commercial and Trade Group Executive Phil Hoggett said supporting the next generation of Antarctic scientists was key to maintaining Tasmania's position as a gateway to Antarctica, and a core focus area of TasPorts Industry Support Program.

“TasPorts’ investment in the Antarctic Science Foundation is an investment in the people and science that makes our state a global hub for polar research.”

“These early-career researchers represent the future of Antarctic science, and their work is vital to understanding and responding to the challenges facing our polar regions.”

“Supporting early-career researchers will ensure our island state remains at the forefront of polar science and logistics,” he said.

Erin McGoldrick, Chair of Tasmanian Polar Network said the partnership with TasPorts and the Antarctic Science Foundation addresses a critical gap in support for emerging researchers working on climate change and polar science.

“The Antarctic sector contributes over $204 million annually Tasmania's economy, which is powered by dozens of TPN member organisations working together with our national agencies, international programs and research institutions.” Ms McGoldrick said.

“This support for early-career researchers ensures that Tasmania will remain a world-leading gateway for Antarctic and Southern Ocean endeavor for many years to come.”

2025 Grant Recipients

Ry Holland - Monash University
Luca Zurli - University of Siena, Italy
Melanie Borup - University of Tasmania
Zhaohui Wang - UNSW
Matthew Corkill - University of Tasmania
Marta Stentella - University of Grenoble, France
Jane Younger - University of Tasmania
Edel Sheerin - James Cook University

Research Focus Areas

• How climate change will influence primary production and microbial communities in Antarctic waters
• Analysis of fluvial and glaciogenic sediments using petrographic, mineralogical, geochemical and geochronological methods
• The ecology and discovery of new species of Antarctic bdelloid rotifers
• Innovative techniques for collecting sea-ice samples in the field
• How katabatic winds are shaped by large-scale atmospheric patterns
• The impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza on penguin colonies in the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia

About TasPorts Industry Support Program: 

Launched in early 2025, TasPorts’ Industry Support Program aims to address challenges and gaps identified by key Tasmanian industry bodies, including education, training, and development. Applications for the 2026 round of support partnership will open in February 2026.