Who we are
The AIAS is an umbrella organisation for Australian alpine researchers of all disciplines. The Institute operates without a fixed geographic location and convenes for an annual conference to share research news.
Together, we conduct research in alpine environments in which the flora, fauna, 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 from all disciplines to join us, subscribe for updates on research news, and receive invitations to our conferences.
Our history
The Institute was first proposed at a meeting of scientists at Charlottes Pass. It was officially launched at the Global Threats Conference held from February 17th to 19th 1998 and has since grown to a membership of over 120 researchers in the subsequent decade. Initially, we planned to hold biennial meetings, but we have instead convened annually over the past ten years in various locations such as Canberra, Jindabyne, Falls Creek, Melbourne and Hobart. In addition, the Institute’s first decade saw the production of regular newsletters and the publication of the 148 page “Biodiversity in the Snowy Mountains” in 2002. Ken Green chaired the AIAS from its conception until 2016, at which time he passed the role to Susanna Venn.
