Christmas Island attracts bird watchers and nature lovers from all over the world. It is home to one of Australia's most unique national parks which provides habitat for endangered, vulnerable, threatened and migratory species. Christmas Island has more than 250 endemic species, complex and unique ecological systems and a rich and diverse marine ecosystem found nowhere else on earth.
This gives Christmas Island, and the neighbouring region, a unique and logical natural competitive advantage in research and education opportunities.
A Research Roundtable, comprising representatives from across the scientific, research and education sector, was initially convened in 2019.
A Research Prospectus PDF: 480 KB has been developed by scientific experts to identify key research opportunities. While the scope of research opportunities is not limited, research areas of focus identified include:
- The natural environment—Natural Terrestrial and Marine Sciences
- Biosecurity
- Waste, Sustainability and the Circular Economy
- Climate Change
- Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food
- Health and Medicine, and
- Social sciences