Antarctica: Its History, Relevance and Securing its Environmental Future

Remote, lonely, inhospitable. Antarctica is all of these things. But there is also irreplaceable beauty in this critical part of our world that is in danger of being lost. Melting ice sheets are changing the world we live in, penguins, whales, and the tremendous array of unique Antarctic life are counting on humanity to step up and protect it. Science today—built on the history of yesterday— tells us how to secure the Antarctic future, and what you can do to help.

From Sir Douglas Mawson through to today's Antarctic scientists, South Australia has over 100 years of Antarctic history and scientific breakthroughs. Join Antarctic scientists and historians for an insider’s view of today’s most compelling scientific questions, the people who answer them and how both draw upon an incredible history of Australian scientific endeavour to deliver practical information for current and future generations. 

Event Program:

• 6:00PM - Doors open. Enjoy a Welcome Drink in the Main Foyer and explore the Polar Gallery on Level 3.  
• 6:30PM - Presentation by Professor Sharon Robinson, Deputy Director, Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future in the Pacific Cultures Gallery on Mezzanine Level.   
• 7:00PM - Panel Discussion with Antarctic Scientists and Historians: 

                             Professor Steven Chown, Monash University (MC)

                             Professor Sharon Robinson, University of Wollongong

                             Dr Felicity McCormack, Monash University

                             Mark Pharaoh, South Australian Museum

                             Dr Peter Shaughnessy, South Australian Museum

• 7:30PM - Event concludes.