Life and science in Antarctica: surviving and thriving on the ice

Dr Fiona Shanhun

Antarctica is a continent of extremes, and an incredible natural laboratory. Explorers and scientists have long been fascinated with unlocking Antarctica’s secrets – making measurements and taking samples from some of the most remote and challenging research locations on the planet. Fiona will take you on a journey of science and exploration, with glimpses into the historic huts of the Ross Sea region and insights into research that’s happening on the ice. She’ll also share her experiences of the joys and challenges of living and working in remote field camps, and the importance of not just surviving, but thriving.

Fiona has had extensive experience conducting and supporting research in Antarctica with the New Zealand and Australian Antarctic programmes and has represented NZ in a range of international fora. She has visited the ice twelve times, has led deep-field research expeditions in remote locations, focussing on soils and biodiversity to understand how ecosystems may respond to environmental change, and has led New Zealand’s annual Ross Sea Adelie penguin census over multiple seasons. Fiona is currently Chief Scientist at Environment Canterbury and leads their climate change resilience programme.