Dana M Bergstrom

BSc, MSc, PhD

An applied terrestrial ecologist with extensive experience working in Antarctic and subantarctic ecosystems at the School of Earth Atmospheric & Life Sciences, University of Wollongong and a visiting Professor at the Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg

Her first foray into the region, was to Macquarie Island in 1983.

Dana focuses on identifying risks to Antarctic ecosystems and finding solutions to mitigating such risks. Since 1999 she has been an international leader in Antarctic terrestrial ecology. For 22 years she worked at the Australian Antarctic Division and played a role in setting research questions and leading Australian science in the field.

Likewise, she played major leadership roles in international science in the area by initiating programs and driving the construction of science plans for three major international Antarctic science programs. She was Australia’s Delegate to the International Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.

Recently she led a diverse team of experts examining ecosystem collapse from the tropics to the Antarctic. From this emerged a new way of thinking and protecting our planet. The 3As: Awareness of biodiversity values, Anticipation of pressures, Action to stop the pressures or repair the damage.

Dana has passion for communicating science to the community. In 2016, a full professional production of 'Antarctica a New Musical' which she co-wrote with singer songwriter, Dugald McLaren, premiered at Hobart's Theatre Royal.

A podcast version called ‘Antarctica, Beneath the Storm’ is in production.