The Tasmanian Liberal Government welcomes researchers from across Australia to Hobart this week for the inaugural Australian Antarctic Research Conference at the University of Tasmania.
The Australian Antarctic Research Conference brings together over 450 polar researchers, scientists and public policy experts to focus on the current challenges facing Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Premier and Minister for Trade and Major Investment, Jeremy Rockliff, said that Hobart hosting the conference strengthened our claim as the world's best Antarctic gateway.
"As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we are promoting and developing our world-leading Antarctic Gateway to grow jobs, maritime services, trade and investment, education, science and research and visitor opportunities," the Premier said.
"As one of only five gateways to the Antarctic globally, bringing so many experts and decision makers together in Tasmania's capital is a sure sign in the confidence in our reputation as a leader in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science and support services.
"Our researchers are recognised globally as leaders in their field."
The conference will feature a special day for early-career researchers, an opening ceremony led by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Tasmania, a science comedy night for the public, an Antarctic women's networking event, and tours of national icebreaker RSV Nuyina.
"The Antarctic sector contributes $183 million each year to the Tasmanian economy and it employs almost 1,000 people, and we want to see it grow further," the Premier added.
"Events like the Australian Antarctic Research Conference add to our wider business events sector which generates around $199 million a year to our state, bringing in 51,733 conference delegates with an average of 4.7 nights stayed in our state for each delegate.
"These are the reasons we have kicked off a dedicated campaign to attract more Antarctic events and activities to Hobart including conferences, investment and international Antarctic missions.
"Through positive initiatives like this we are locking in our place as both Australia's Antarctic Gateway and as a destination for major conferences and events for years to come," he said.
