The University of Tasmania has been rated as the top university in the world for academic research into the Southern Ocean.
New rankings compiled by data analytics firm League of Scholars put UTAS in the top spot, while also ranking a further 15 Australian universities as leading the world in 39 other areas of study.
Associate professor at UTAS’ Institute for Marine and Antartctic Studies Dr Zanna Chase said the university is involved in researching many different facets of the Southern Ocean.
This includes the ocean’s carbon cycle, chemistry, geology, paleo-climate, biological systems and Antarctica.
“We’re so lucky to be located so close to the Southern Ocean,” Dr Chase said.
“You’ve got [ice breaker] ships from right outside our door and its a great opportunity to go and do Southern Ocean research and fieldwork.”