Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) scientists led by chief scientist Dr Michael Stoddart are to attend a groundbreaking Antarctic science conference in Germany.
Dr Stoddart said that for the first time the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) would bring together all Antarctic disciplines at the same forum on Antarctica, the Southern Ocean and global climate.
“Previous conferences have dealt with a limited number of disciplines. The decision this year to include all Antarctic sciences is one we welcome. It allows us to tie together research from across the globe and use many and varied disciplines to paint a comprehensive picture.
“There are many challenges ahead and only by exchanging and comparing views and information with other researchers across the range of Antarctic and Southern Ocean disciplines can we be confident that we're heading down the right path.”
Australian delegates will join those from 35 other countries with a presence in Antarctica.
SCAR is being held concurrently with the annual Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) the support body for Antarctic science.
SCAR will be held in Bremen from July 25 to 29, 2004.
Dr Stoddart leaves for Germany tomorrow morning.
Background
SCAR was established in 1958. It is part of the International Council for Science and has responsibility for the initiation, promotion and coordination of scientific research in Antarctica. SCAR also provides independent scientific advice to the Antarctic Treaty System.