Sea ice expert Professor Delphine Lannuzel to head Antarctic research program

An IMAS expert will take on the top job of Australia’s flagship Antarctic research organisation, and the professor has already set out her agenda.

Associate Professor Delphine Lannuzel, ARC Future Fellow, Oceans and Cryosphere IMAS. Picture: Supplied

A sea ice expert is set to take the helm of one of Australia’s flagship Antarctic research organisations.

Professor Delphine Lannuzel, a chemical oceanographer at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), has been appointed program leader of the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP).

She will replace Professor Nathan Bindoff, who has led the AAPP since 2020.

Professor Delphine Lannuzel, a chemical oceanographer at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), has been appointed program leader of the AAPP. Picture: Supplied

Professor Bindoff congratulated Professor Lannuzel, whose research will assess the biological and physical drivers of both the iron and carbon cycles in Antarctic sea ice and how changes in the extent of sea ice affect primary production in the Southern Ocean.

“My hearty congratulations to Delphine. I’m very pleased and proud that the AAPP will be led by a scientist of her calibre,” said Professor Bindoff.

“Her appointment will maintain the pace of the AAPP’s activities and provide critical continuity in this ten-year research program.

“We have planned a staged transition for Delphine taking on the program leader role. This transition will enable her to lead science at sea on the two-month-long Denman Marine Voyage early next year.”

Professor Lannuzel was the first to report the high iron concentration in pack ice compared to ice-free waters, highlighting the role of sea ice as a seasonal ocean ‘fertiliser’.

Iron is an essential trace element for the growth of microscopic marine plants known as phytoplankton. The more phytoplankton grow, the more primary production and the more carbon may be stored in the deep ocean.

Professor Lannuzel said the core mission of the AAPP is to understand the central role of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in the global climate system and the implications for marine ecosystems.

“I feel incredibly honoured to step into this role,” she said.

“I look forward to working with such a dynamic and talented team of technical staff, researchers, and students.”

Professor Delphine Lannuzel and team doing sea ice field work in Antarctica. Picture: Supplied

IMAS executive director Professor Nicole Webster said Professor Lannuzel was part of the next generation of science leaders.

“Delphine’s appointment is a testament to the quality and depth of leadership potential in the Australian Antarctic research program,” Professor Webster said.

“It reflects the importance of harnessing the broad diversity of gender, career stage, and expertise in the research community to lead Australia’s Antarctic science agenda.”