Research and Innovation

The Australian Antarctic Division has been undertaking research across a breadth of human biology and medicine since 1947. Some key studies include the development and testing of remote ultrasound imaging protocols to assess if novice ultrasound users can generate clinically useful images, the use of 3D optical scanning technology to assess changes in body morphology, wearable biosensor testing in the Antarctic deep field and assessment of changes in cognition and mood over an Antarctic winter, and exploring psychological adaptation and reintegration before, during and after Antarctic deployment.

Australian Antarctic research stations are acknowledged as a high-fidelity space analogue, and the AAD has collaborated with NASA since 1993 in operational and research activities. The AAD and the Translational Research Institute of Space Health (TRISH) of the Baylor College of Medicine (Houston TX) commenced a research collaboration in November 2023 using Australian Antarctic program as a space analogue. The research supports and informs the success of long-duration missions in Antarctica and exploratory missions in space, and has learnings that can translate to healthcare in remote regions on Earth.

The Tasmanian Health Service has a state-of-the-art dual-capability hyper/hypobaric chamber at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH). The chamber is unique in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of only a handful globally that can both pressurise (hyperbaric) and depressurise (hypobaric).

The chamber delivers hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) for decompression illness, commonly known as “the bends”, in the commercial and recreational diving industries, and for a range of approved non-diving related medical conditions. It provides approximately 2,500 patient treatments a year and is fully equipped to handle life-support dependent ICU patients. The chamber is also fitted with a hypobaric depressurisation capability. This simulates altitude and can be used for research on the effects of high altitude on the body, in particular low oxygen levels and low ambient air pressure. This is particularly useful for research and training in the aerospace sector.

The PEGASUS EnviroLab (Physiology of Extreme Geographic, Aviation, Space & Under-Sea Environments Laboratory) at the RHH undertakes research to further understand the human physiological response to extreme environments and translate these lessons to mainstream medical practice for the benefit of all Australians.

The University of Tasmania College of Health and Medicine supports healthcare professionals undertaking research as part of Masters or PhD awards. The AAD’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer and CARMM Council Member, Dr John Cherry, is the first PhD candidate in this speciality area, researching “Antarctica as a Space Analog for Management of Medical Emergencies”.

Although Antarctica and space medicine seem to be very different, they share similar challenges in their remoteness and their use of technology to provide excellent medical care. The outcomes of the research will help pave the way to a greater understanding of high-quality health care delivery in challenging conditions.

Psychology and behavioural health research at the University of Tasmania is led by Professor Kimberley Norris who is a world leading expert on behavioural health in remote and extreme environments. Her PhD examined the processes underpinning psychological adaptation of both Antarctic expeditioners and their partners throughout each stage of Antarctic employment from pre-departure through to reunion and reintegration post-return. Since this time her work has continued to focus on maximising human health, wellbeing and performance in remote and extreme environments. This work has been drawn upon by organisations in a variety of remote and extreme contexts throughout the world, and underpinned psychological recovery strategies post COVID-19 lockdowns.

Masters students in the Healthcare and Remote Extreme Environments research pathway can undertake studies of relevance to their work and interests. Under the guidance and supervision of Professor Nicola Stephens, Director of Postgraduate studies in the Tasmanian School of Medicine, and highly experienced HREE academics, students have undertaken a broad range of projects ranging from workforce strengths and limitations, to extreme sports injuries, to infection risk monitoring in remote environments.