The University of Queensland (UQ) welcomed leading international marine scientists, policymakers, and industry partners to Brisbane for the 3rd West Pacific Marine Biology Symposium, held from 25–28 November 2025.
Coordinated by UQ’s Centre for Marine Science in collaboration with CNRS Biologie (France), the event provided a vital platform to advance research on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable marine resource management. Delegates also toured UQ’s world-class facilities, including Heron Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay Research Station.
Marine ecologist Associate Professor Karen Cheney said the gathering highlighted the remarkable biodiversity of the Western Pacific Ocean and delved into diverse topics spanning marine biology, ecology, and evolutionary science.
“This region spans everything from coral reefs to temperate ecosystems and supports globally significant fisheries and aquaculture industries,” she said.
“We were thrilled to bring together researchers at all career stages to share knowledge, present their work, and build new collaborations.”
A keynote address from an inaugural Pacific Academy of Science fellow called for greater international support to enable Pacific Island nations to access advanced research methodologies in the face of urgent climate challenges. This aligns with UQ’s commitment to capacity building in the Indo-Pacific, as outlined in its new 2026–29 Strategic Plan.
UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) Brett Lovegrove said the symposium reinforced the strategic importance of UQ’s agreement with CNRS, signed earlier in 2025.
“Marine ecosystems are critical to global food security, climate regulation, and biodiversity. By fostering collaboration on a global scale, events like this play a pivotal role in shaping strategies to safeguard ocean health for future generations.”
The event concluded with an Awards Ceremony, sponsored by UQ Global Partnerships, recognising outstanding contributions to marine science. Congratulations to the winners:
- Phoebe Lau (Australia)
- Lucas Gimenez (Australia)
- Emma Gairin (Japan)
- Sarah Goh (Singapore)
The West Pacific Marine Biology Network (WPMBN), launched by CNRS, continues to strengthen collaboration among researchers in France, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, and other nations to understand, protect, and harness the potential of marine life in the Western Pacific.
