Australian Institute of Alpine Studies

Who we are

The Australian Institute of Alpine Studies is an umbrella organisation for alpine researchers of all disciplines. The Institute has no permanent geographic location and a group of us share the secretariat role. Collectively, we conduct research in the area in which the vegetation, soils and geology are distinctly ‘high mountain’ in character. This is the area encompassing the alpine (above treeline) and subalpine zones (extending to about 300m below the Australian treeline). We welcome researchers of all disciplines to join, contribute their research news and ideas and interact with others.

Our history

The Institute was first suggested at a meeting of scientists at
Charlottes Pass. It was launched at the Global Threats conference held
between Feb 17-19 1998 and has grown to a membership of over 120 over
the next 10 years. Originally we planned a biennial meeting but in fact
in the ten years to date we have held a meeting each year in locations
such as Canberra, Jindabyne, Falls Creek, Melbourne and Hobart. In
addition, the first ten years saw the production of 20 newsletters and
the publication of the 148 page “Biodiversity in the Snowy Mountains” in
2002.

Our aims

-to promote research in alpine and sub-alpine areas of Australia

-to promote co-operative projects between alpine researchers

-to share information on current alpine research in both Australia and overseas

-to liaise with international mountain research organisation

-to convene regular seminar sessions on alpine research