Future opportunities for science on, around, above and below Antarctica, are the focus of a workshop between Australia and China taking place in Hobart this week.

More than 30 scientists are attending the two-day workshop, the first held under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hobart in 2014.

The Division’s Chief Scientist, Dr Gwen Fenton, said the workshop gives scientists a chance to exchange ideas and identify opportunities to work together on Antarctic-related science projects.

“Antarctic science is logistically complex and all nations working in the region look for ways to collaborate when trying to answer the big science questions,” Dr Fenton said.

The workshop will include discussions on the search for the million year old ice core, sea ice and ice shelves, and atmospheric science as well as environmental management in Antarctica.

“Australia and China both operate in East Antarctica and already collaborate on a number of complex science projects.

“Both countries are part of the ICECAP international consortium undertaking ongoing surveys of the ice sheet, bedrock and ice shelves in East Antarctica.”

“A shared interest in ice coring has also seen research exchanges and shared sample analysis projects in recent years.”

The workshop has been organised by Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration, State Oceanic Administration of China and Australian Antarctic Division, which is hosting the event.

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