H.E. Mr Pierre-André Imbert, The Ambassador of France to Australia and Dr Sam Beale, SAEF Research Fellow, Monash University
Professor David Renault, Director of the French Polar Institute, and Dr Samuel Beale, Research Fellow at Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future (SAEF) based at Monash University, have been awarded the third French-Australian Antarctic Research Grant at a cocktail reception on board the MV L'Astrolabe in Hobart.
Their project Towards Open Biodiversity Knowledge for the Sub-Antarctic - An Australian-French Initiative aims to establish a collaborative framework and a centralised database to support biodiversity research across the sub-Antarctic.
SAEF Research Fellow, Dr Sam Beale said as an Australian researcher he was excited to have the opportunity to work with fellow researchers from the French sub-Antarctic islands.
"I believe there is so much value to be gained from joint efforts such as these across this region. We hope that what we achieve through this grant can provide the structure and capacity to support future collaborations and foster stronger connections between sub-Antarctic researchers."
The grant is an initiative of the Embassy of France, the Australian French Association for Research and Innovation (AFRAN) and Monash University, through SAEF. It aims to foster collaboration between Australia and France on Antarctic and Southern Ocean research.
The Ambassador of France to Australia, His Excellency Mr Pierre-André Imbert, said through the Antarctic Research Grant, France and Australia are investing in the next generation of scientists working to protect Antarctica.
"I warmly congratulate the laureates, David Renault and Samuel Beale, and their research team for their project Towards Open Biodiversity Knowledge for the Sub-Antarctic - An Australian-French Initiative which will strengthen our understanding of biodiversity in this unique and fragile region. By supporting Franco-Australian teams, we invest not only in scientific knowledge, but also in the future governance and protection of Antarctica."
SAEF Director, Professor Steven Chown added, "It's a pleasure to be supporting critical work for understanding biodiversity change in the Antarctic and for sharing this information in keeping with open science principles - long-standing ambitions of France and Australia."
France and Australia share a long and enduring history of collaboration in Antarctic research, underpinned by their shared presence in the region and active roles in Antarctic governance. As climate impacts intensify, the partnership provides a strong foundation for advancing the science needed to safeguard Antarctica and strengthen resilience across the Pacific.
The two nations also share a responsibility to protect sub-Antarctic islands, including those they administer, such as Heard Island, Macquarie Island and the Kerguelen Islands. Recent research led by Dr Beale has shown climate trends vary considerably across the region, while work must continue to understand how this is likely to influence species responses.
The new project will establish a research network of early-career scientists to work to advance research across Australian and French sub-Antarctic territories. It will also develop a prototype of open, accessible biodiversity data to support future research.
By strengthening connections between researchers and building shared data tools, the project will lay the groundwork for more coordinated monitoring and evidence-based decision-making across the sub-Antarctic. In doing so, it will reinforce the enduring scientific partnership between France and Australia and ensure both nations are equipped to protect the future of the region.
