Dr Jane Younger investigates how diseases spread among wildlife in some of the planet’s most isolated environments—including Antarctica—and what that means for global ecosystem health. Their research focuses on vulnerable species such as penguins, seabirds, and marine mammals, which are increasingly threatened by viruses like avian influenza.
Leading field expeditions into extreme environments, Dr Younger collects biological samples and uses advanced DNA technologies to detect diseases in real time. This work helps uncover where outbreaks originate, how they travel, and how they can be stopped before causing widespread harm.
With climate change and global movement accelerating the spread of wildlife diseases, this research has never been more urgent. The recent arrival of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Antarctica has led to mass die-offs, placing fragile ecosystems at risk. And because these animals migrate across continents, what happens in Antarctica doesn’t stay there—interconnected ecosystems and industries worldwide are affected.
By identifying emerging threats early, Jane is helping to build the knowledge and tools needed to protect wildlife, safeguard biodiversity, and support the environments we all rely on.