Aurora Lecture Theatre, IMAS Waterfront Building, Castray Esplanade, Hobart
Summary:Celebrate 10 Years of the Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation (AFRAN)
Presenter(s):
- Professor Delphine Lannuzel
- Dr Clothilde Langlais
- Professor Jan McDonald
- Associate Professor Lennart Bach
For ten years, the Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation (AFRAN) has stood at the intersection of science and policy, bringing together researchers, institutions and policymakers to foster collaboration across shared global challenges - from climate and health to digital technologies and social sciences. As we mark this milestone, we invite you to join a panel of experts for a conversation on one of the most pressing questions facing climate science and governance today: how far should we go in actively intervening in the systems we are trying to protect?
From marine carbon dioxide removal to reef restoration, active environmental interventions are moving from the margins of climate science into the mainstream of policy debate. This event will examine what these approaches can realistically deliver, where their limits lie, and what governance frameworks are needed to guide their responsible development. Panellists will draw on their expertise to explore how growing scientific capability is reshaping the choices available to policymakers, and the ethical questions that come with them.
Beyond looking back, this session will look forward: what scientific evidence, governance structures, and international cooperation will be needed to ensure active interventions serve, rather than undermine, long-term climate resilience?
- Delphine Lannuzel is a leading expert in marine biogeochemistry at the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). Professor Lannuzel is the Program Leader for the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) since May 2025.
- Clothilde Langlais is a physical oceanographer for CSIRO whose research activities span ocean circulation, climate dynamics and multidisciplinary projects related to impact, adaptation and management of coastal resources in Australia.
- Jan McDonald is a Professor of Environmental and Climate Law at the University of Tasmania Faculty of Law. Her research explores the legal frameworks required to responsibly govern the research, development, and deployment of climate intervention technologies.
- Lennart Bach is s a marine biogeochemist at IMAS. His research focuses on the effects of climate change on plankton communities. Associate Professor Bach coordinates the Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Pelagic Impact Intercomparison Project, funded by Carbon to Sea Initiative
