About SAEF
An Australian Antarctic Program Endeavour
Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future is an Australian Antarctic Program research and workforce development endeavour that unveils the reciprocal relationship between the Antarctic and both people and nature globally.
Message from the director
Antarctica and its surrounding Southern Ocean seem far removed from our everyday lives. They’re remote, cold and mostly the stuff of legend and extraordinary television. Yet they are intimate partners in our daily lives.
They determine our climate, absorb heat and excess CO2 and influence the value of our properties and the cost of our insurance. Their influence will grow as we continue to change our world.
We have agreed through a global set of demilitarisation and environmental treaties to protect the Antarctic. Doing so maintains peace for much of the world and secures Australia’s southern approaches.
At SAEF we know this. And we are leading a global program to help society understand the Antarctic’s changes, develop policies to address them, and project the ways in which we might best respond.
We do so through research undertaken by global leaders in their fields, developed in consultation with policymakers, and communicated to decision-makers at every level.
Our research and our people are highly acclaimed. As part of the Australian Antarctic Program we deliver to our local communities, neighbours in the Indo-Pacific, and to global endeavour.
When expertise on the role of the Antarctic in our lives is sought, SAEF’s members are front of mind.
WHAT’S AT RISK
We Deeply Depend on Antarctica
Our lives and livelihoods rely on Antarctic systems – ecosystem services we cannot do without.
Its ice and cold temperatures stabilise the climate, while surrounding waters drive ocean currents that move heat and nutrients, affecting fish, food and weather worldwide.
As ice loss accelerates, extremes intensify and costs rise, ignoring these signals is a gamble with our future prosperity.
It’s Not Too Late
Turning Science into Action
Antarctica is changing fast, but there is still a window of opportunity. With better observations and stronger modelling, we can reduce uncertainty and focus protection where it matters most.
SAEF brings scientists and decision-makers together to turn Antarctic insight into action. We map likely futures, test options and provide decision-ready guidance so governments, businesses and communities can plan and adapt.
Better evidence today means fewer regrets tomorrow.
Our Leadership
SAEF is a collective of highly capable researchers and innovative new talent. Our executive team is recognised for its leadership in Antarctic research in a global setting. Whether in glaciology, biology, conservation or law.
Our Director is one of the most highly recognised polar scientists, uniquely awarded by the French Republic for his scientific contributions to Antarctic environmental policymaking.
We draw on the very best Australian and international expertise to help set our course, advise on strategy and risk, and to guide translation of our products to policy and practical advice.
Program Executive Group
The Program Executive Group is SAEF’s decision-making body of leaders, investigators, managers, and mentees.
Governance Advisory Board
The Governance Advisory Board advises on strategic direction, risk management and performance.
International Science Advisory Panel
The International Science Advisory Panel guides performance, relationships and workforce development.
Annual Reports
Read our annual reports to find out more about our research and impact.
Our Partners
SAEF is a central part of the Australian Antarctic Program. Our partners include Australian universities, government agencies and the Australian Antarctic Division. We work closely with Australian business too.
Abroad we have productive alliances with universities and researchers in Brazil, Chile, China, France, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
National Antarctic Program partners abroad include the British Antarctic Survey, Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), Indian National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and Norwegian Polar Institute.
We have partnerships with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, New Zealand Department of Conservation, Noble Caledonia, and both White Desert and the White Desert Foundation.
We collaborate across the Indo-Pacific, mindful that the impacts of Antarctic change are being keenly felt across the region.
Antarctica’s Future is Our Future
Help Secure Antarctica’s Future
Join us, support us or follow us. We work for you.
