A new chapter for the Antarctic Science Platform

By outgoing Director Prof Nancy Bertler

As the first seven-year phase of the Antarctic Science Platform draws to a close, I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success – our researchers, collaborators, students, policy partners, the Platform Management Team, Antarctica New Zealand, the Independent Science Panel, Kāhui Māori, and Steering Group and our funder, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Your collective effort has strengthened Aotearoa New Zealand’s contribution to Antarctic science priorities at a time when accelerating change, such as rapid sea ice retreat, has made our research more urgent than ever.

To our research teams across Aotearoa, thank you for your dedication and ingenuity. As a virtual research institution, the Platform thrives on agile, interdisciplinary collaboration — made possible by your commitment and creativity.

Long-term funding has been a powerful enabler, allowing us to pursue ambitious, international, and interdisciplinary research programmes with confidence. Since 2019, nearly 200 publications have advanced global understanding of Antarctic change. We’ve supported over 80 emerging researchers and postgraduate students, launched the National Modelling Hub, and created New Zealand’s first Antarctic Metadata Catalogue. We’ve deepened existing partnerships and forged new ones, developed transformative technologies and analytical capabilities, contributed to numerous Ross Sea voyages, and helped establish the SWAIS2C programme — just a few of our many achievements.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the members of our Independent Science Panel, who have provided collegial and expert advice throughout the Platform’s first phase. Under the thoughtful stewardship of Professor Rob Dunbar, the Panel’s insights have helped ensure our science remains rigorous, relevant and globally connected. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to the Kāhui Māori for their dedicated mahi in thoughtfully exploring Māori interests in Antarctica. Led by Professor Sandy Morrison and Aimee Kaio, your contributions have strengthened our teams, built momentum, and helped attract and nurture Māori talent within this important kaupapa.

A heartfelt thank you to Gillian Wratt, our outgoing Steering Group Chair, and to the entire Steering Group for your exceptional leadership, insight, and unwavering commitment. Your bold vision and thoughtful guidance have inspired us to push boundaries, shape vital policy, and foster a resilient, thriving research community. Your legacy will continue to influence and empower Antarctic research as the Platform moves forward.

It is with pride that we now hand over to incoming Director Dr Natalie Robinson and Steering Group Chair Professor Jenny Webster-Brown, who will lead the next 7-year phase of the Platform from 1 July 2025, supported by a renewed $49 million investment from the Government.

Thank you all. What we’ve achieved together is remarkable. There is still much to do, and I look forward to seeing the Platform continue to grow its impact in the years ahead.