University of Tasmania and Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) are developing our understanding of the impact climate change is having on the delicate ecosystems in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
Educating world-leading scientists to pioneer world-leading research
The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) is an internationally recognized center for ocean and polar research. Established in 2010, IMAS brings together scientists, educators, and policymakers to advance understanding of marine ecosystems and the Antarctic region, with research informing academia, government, industry, and communities.
IMAS focuses on three key research areas: Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ecology and Biodiversity, and Oceans and the Cryosphere, with a strong emphasis on understanding climate change, ocean systems, and the governance of the oceans and Antarctica.
Through interdisciplinary teaching and research, IMAS educates students from around the world, from undergraduate to doctoral level, helping train the next generation of scientists and environmental leaders.
Beyond academia, IMAS also engages with the broader public through outreach and citizen science initiatives, sharing knowledge and generating data that contribute to the protection and sustainable management of marine environments.
HX Expeditions & UTAS/IMAS
HX Expeditions maintains a strong and evolving partnership with the University of Tasmania and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (UTAS/IMAS), bringing together expedition travel, scientific research, and education.
Through this collaboration, HX vessels have supported several research initiatives in the Antarctic Peninsula region. These include studies on ice seal behavior and distribution, at-sea observations of whales, dolphins, and seabirds to better understand their abundance and distribution in Antarctic summer foraging grounds, and social science research examining how educational, science-focused activities influence visitors’ understanding of Antarctica and attitudes towards environmental stewardship.
Our long-term collaboration continues to evolve, allowing for an increasingly diverse range of projects and enabling researchers and students to join HX vessels throughout the Antarctic season. This provides valuable access to remote field sites while creating opportunities to connect scientific research with the expedition experience.
Beyond research, the partnership has also expanded to include educational initiatives, including the co-development of the Introductory Antarctic Course, which is offered complimentary to all HX guests travelling to Antarctica and provides accessible, science-based learning before their voyage.
Together, HX and UTAS/IMAS continue to explore new ways to connect research, education, and expedition travel to deepen understanding of the polar regions.
“Our partnership with HX Expeditions provides much-needed funding for ongoing research. But it also offers guests a unique insight into the challenges facing the region and will allow them to directly participate in research activities that contribute to a more effective response to our changing climate.”
