Contrasts and inspiration on the ice – what happens when a coral reef scientist heads south

This International Women’s Day we celebrate legendary AIMS ecologist Dr Katharina Fabricius who swapped coral reefs for icebergs recently to join the Homeward Bound expedition to the Antarctic.

After 15 nights, 1500 photos, much networking with other female leaders in science and many close encounters with wildlife, Dr Katharina Fabricius said she felt inspired by the ‘transformative’ Homeward Bound experience which took her and 120 others to the Antarctic wilderness.

“I’m still dreaming about Antarctica,” she said. “It was an amazing experience to be immersed in that fragile wilderness surrounded by such strong, fun and smart women in science.

“It gave us the opportunity to think about the bigger picture during this difficult period for the planet together. And we were able to support each other too.”

A southern journey for women’s leadership and support 

The expedition south was the pinnacle of Katharina’s 12-month Homeward Bound experience, which helps women and non-binary participants with a STEMM background from all over the world develop their leadership skills so they are better equipped to effect change in their areas of influence.

The program has seen Katharina work with an interdisciplinary team that is conducting research into mental health toll and coping strategies for scientists who are working on addressing biodiversity loss and climate change.

On the trip, Katharina participated in a Symposium at Sea, and took advantage of opportunities to work on multidisciplinary conservation research initiatives, as well as art and education projects. These initiatives will continue through the alumni cohort Katharina is now a part of.

“There was a lot of work happening, but also plenty of opportunities to have some really deep conversations and do thinking around topics and across disciplines I am not usually exposed to, like what happens to the female brain during pregnancy for example. We all learnt a lot from each other,” she said.

“And while this was happening, we experienced the contrast of seeing amazing natural beauty while learning about the intense conservation challenges facing Antarctica and the difficult problems colleagues are grappling with as the climate changes.

“Compared to coral reefs, I couldn’t have gone into a more opposite environment there.

“Apart from the obvious points around temperature, Antarctica is a high biomass low diversity area, which is very different from the Great Barrier Reef. I found that interesting.  

“Being surrounded by wildlife that were comfortable to be around us was also very special, as was seeing so many endangered species in environments that are still pristine.”

Celebrating an inspriational career in coral reef science 

The Antarctica expedition is the latest high point in Katharina’s stellar career in science, and she celebrates 30 years full time at AIMS Townsville in 2025.  

Originally from Germany, she came to Townsville in 1988 on a volunteer student program at AIMS.

More than 200 peer-reviewed publications and 35 PhD and Masters students later, Katharina is now a Senior Principal Research Scientist at AIMS, studying how the health of the Great Barrier Reef is impacted by human-caused disturbances, like poor water quality, climate change and ocean acidification.  

Among her many achievements, Katharina’s research into the impact of land based run off on corals helped lead to the adoption of more sustainable farming practises in Queensland.

Her work is also informing future potential solutions for the Reef under an increasingly warming climate.

She leads a team of 40 researchers and students in a key component of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP). Known as “EcoRRAP”, her team is investigating the ecological limitations of coral reef recovery while providing data to inform how and where is best to apply the reef restoration interventions currently in development.

You can even see Katharina immortalised near her home on Magnetic Island through an exhibit under the waves at the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA).

Her sculpture is among eight at the exhibit, which pays tribute to acclaimed conservationists and marine scientists who have contributed to the Reef’s protection.

For now, Katharina is happy to be back in the warmer environment of Townsville where she feels a restored energy about her work thanks to her Antarctic experience.

“I found renewal through the solidarity and energy of the women and our shared experience on the Antarctic expedition,” said Katharina.

“I feel newly inspired to be solutions-focused around my work at AIMS, and helping my five PhD students along on their research journeys.”