As one of only five official Antarctic gateway cities in the world, Hobart is a global centre of cold-climate expertise and research, supported by world-class infrastructure and talent.

Backing this status is the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), based in Hobart and internationally recognised for its leadership in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research and education. IMAS has helped attract and train some of the world’s leading minds in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science — making our island home to a growing network of researchers, educators, and innovators.

That capability is now set to grow even further.

The Albanese Government has announced a major expansion of Australia’s Antarctic Program — a strategic investment that will create new jobs and amplify research in Tasmania. It’s a strong vote of confidence in Lutruwita / Tasmania’s role as a global leader in Antarctic science and environmental stewardship.

Business Event Tasmania Visionaries

PCOs planning events focused on the Antarctic and Southern Ocean can tap into this wealth of knowledge and expertise through the Business Events Tasmania Visionary Program, which showcases local experts driving impact across science, sustainability, and collaboration.

Among those leading the charge in Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science:

Dr Tara Martin – Director, Antarctic Tasmania.

Tara brings deep scientific experience and infrastructure leadership to her role championing Tasmania as a global Antarctic Gateway. A marine geophysicist with 14 years at CSIRO’s Marine National Facility — including two as its leader — she now works to connect international scientists, agencies, and industry with Lutruwita / Tasmania’s research ecosystem. Tara is a passionate advocate for how conferences and collaboration can fast-track scientific progress and support emerging talent.

Read more here.

Dr Pat Wongpan – Sea-ice Biogeochemist, UTAS/IMAS

A quantitative sea ice biogeochemist/ecologist at the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania. Pat’s research into Antarctic sea ice is key to understanding climate-driven changes in ocean systems and ecosystem responses.

Read more here.

Professor Gretta Pecl AM – Climate Change Ecologist (UTAS)

Named one of the top 200 most influential climate scientists globally, Gretta’s work tracks how climate change is reshaping marine ecosystems, species, and communities. She’s a Lead Author for the IPCC and a driving force behind Future Seas 2030 and citizen science project Redmap. Her research is helping the world understand how the Southern Ocean and Antarctica influence — and are influenced by — a changing climate.

Read more here.

Professor Catriona Hurd – Marine and Antarctic Plant Scientist (IMAS)

Catriona is a world leader in uncovering how seaweeds shape and sustain marine ecosystems. Now based at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in Hobart, she’s leading world-class research into how these vital underwater forests respond to climate change, and how they can help protect the planet’s future.

As a Professor of Seaweed Physiology and Ecology, Catriona studies how seaweeds grow, adapt and survive in a changing ocean. Her work explores their role in carbon capture, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable aquaculture — all critical to building climate resilience in Lutruwita / Tasmania’s coastal waters. She’s also helping to restore our island’s giant kelp forests, which have declined dramatically due to warming seas.

Read more here.

Want to explore the Business Events Tasmania Visionary Program some more?

You can find all our Visionaries here.