Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation

13/06/2026

“My experience on Lizard Island has been unmatched by any experience I have previously had. By being a part of this program, my passion and desire to pursue conservation in both marine and terrestrial biology has been strengthened.” – TA – Student from Kirrawee High School

This is just one of the many complements we have received from past students to our Lizard Island Coral Reef Study Tour. Running from the 4th to the 11th of October 2026, this once-in-a-lifetime trip will see you mingling with marine biologists, clowning around with clownfish, and having an overall turtle-y awesome introduction to our coral reef habitats! 🐢 Did we mention it is on a tropical island? 🏝️

Applications for the LICRST are open until July 17th for all Year 11 NSW coral reef-enthusiasts! 🪸 For application details and further information, head to our website at https://australian.museum/get-involved/amri/lirs/coral-reef-study-tour-2026/

23/05/2026

This past week we were privileged to host several Dingaal people - Traditional Owners of Jiigurru (Lizard Island) alongside archaeologist Jill Reid. Together, they carried out cultural surveys in preparation for an exciting new building project commencing this year at the research station.

16/05/2026

We are pleased to announce the recipients of our 2026 Lizard Island Fellowships!


🎓 Doctoral:

Lizard Island Doctoral Fellowship: Rebecca Loy, University of Bristol, UK

Zoltan Florian Doctoral Fellowship: Bailey Bonham, University of Texas at Austin, USA

Charles Warman Foundation Doctoral Fellowship: Cecilia Martin, James Cook University, Australia

Big Blue Ocean Foundation Doctoral Fellowship: Zoe Storm, James Cook University, Australia

🔬 Postdoctoral:

John and Laurine Proud Postdoctoral Fellowship: Dr. Jessica Reichert, University of Hawaii, USA

Maple-Brown Family Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship: Dr. Magena Marzonie, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Australia

Over the coming weeks we will be spotlighting our recipients and the brilliant research they are aiming to accomplish during their time at the station. We will also share results from research completed by recent past fellows.

A huge thankyou to all the donors who have helped make these research aspirations possible, and congratulations to all of our recipients! We look forward to seeing the amazing work you will do at the Lizard Island Research Station. 🎉👏

Interested in fieldwork at the station? Head to our website at https://australian.museum/get-involved/amri/lirs/ to find out more about the facilities we offer, and watch this space for 2027 Fellowship application opening announcements.

15/05/2026

📢 Calling all enthusiastic NSW Year 11 biologists and ocean lovers!

Have you ever wondered what fish get up to in their spare time? Would you like to learn more about how corals grow and shape our reefs? If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply for one of 16 places on the Lizard Island Coral Reef Study Tour 2026, which will be held in the October school holidays (4th to 11th of October 2026). 🐠🌊

The Lizard Island Coral Reef Study Tour is an immersive, educational experience in coral reef science led by marine scientists at our research station in the northern Great Barrier Reef. 🏝️

“Participating in LICRST was an eye-opening experience. I never truly understood the intricacies of coral reefs until I witnessed their extent first hand. What amazed me most was their remarkable ability to recover from adversity.” – 2023 Lizard Island Coral Reef Study Tour Student participant.

The cost of this trip, starting in Cairns, is covered by the Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation. For application details and further information, head to our website at https://australian.museum/get-involved/amri/lirs/coral-reef-study-tour-2026/ . Applications close on 17 July 2026.

08/05/2026

"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." – Sir David Attenborough

Today we celebrate the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough — a remarkable storyteller, naturalist, and advocate for the natural world whose work has inspired generations across the globe.

For the past century, Sir David has encouraged millions of people to pause, observe, and appreciate the extraordinary beauty and diversity of life on Earth. Through his documentaries and lifelong dedication to conservation, he has inspired countless careers in science, research, and natural history, including many within the LIRRF and AM community.

Sir David has a long and valued connection with Lizard Island and the Australian Museum, having visited the Research Station many times and filmed parts of his Great Barrier Reef documentary series on the island. One of the 24 beaches on Lizard Island was named in his honour ‘Attenborough Beach’ after he remarked that the island is one of his favourite places in the world. In recognition of his enduring contribution to science communication and conservation, he was awarded Lifetime Patron status by the Museum in 2017.

Today, and over the weekend, we invite you to follow Sir David’s example: take a moment to step outside and look closely at the natural world around you, whether it’s a snail in your garden, crabs at your local beach, or birds in a nearby forest, and appreciate the incredible planet we all share.

Thank you for caring and continuing to inspire, Sir David Attenborough!

10/04/2026

With your support, scientists can continue their vital work at Lizard Island Research Station. Any amount you give will be greatly appreciated and put to good use.

Donate now: https://lirrf.org/donate/

09/04/2026

Australia is in a unique position as custodians of the largest Reef system on Earth…we have committed to the world that we will look after them and we’re a rich nation with strong scientific expertise and untapped opportunity to reap the rewards of a renewables revolution.

In this year’s Talbot Oration held on Wednesday 31 May 2023, Dr Anne Hoggett AM, Co-Director of the Australian Museum’s Lizard Island Research Station (LIRS), shared her extensive knowledge about the importance of coral reefs, their complex biology, and the urgent need for action. Learn about th...

06/04/2026

The amount of energy gain from the environment via feeding (green arrows) relative to loss via metabolic processes (yellow arrows) throughout early stages of development can have important fitness consequences, affecting recruitment and patterns of outbreaks in coral reefs.

Learn more: https://lirrf.org/fellowships-awarded-2023/

29/03/2026

Four different species previously identified as Acropora hyacinthus on the reefs of Lizard Island. Only one of these species is likely to be A. hyacinthus. The other species are either undescribed or in synonym = A pectinata

Learn more: https://lirrf.org/shedding-light-on-the-dark-diversity-of-corals/