About Us
Targeted and practical support for coral reef science and educationLizard Island Reef Research Foundation (LIRRF) is an independent trust. It was established in 1978 to conduct and support scientific research at the Australian Museum’s Lizard Island Research Station (LIRS) and elsewhere on the Great Barrier Reef.
We provide targeted and practical support for coral reef science and education through an extensive fellowships and grants program and by developing and maintaining research facilities at Lizard Island Research Station.
As well as supporting research, we seek to communicate the science, show why it is important and why it needs and merits donor support. We connect with people and organizations interested in marine science and conservation. And we strive to fulfill our trust mandate: to raise funds for scientific research on the Great Barrier Reef.
Lizard Island Research Station
The focus of our Foundation is coral reef research and education carried out at the Australian Museum’s Lizard Island Research Station (LIRS) on the northern Great Barrier Reef.
What we do
LIRRF exists to support scientific research and education on the Great Barrier Reef with a strong focus on Lizard Island. We have been doing this very successfully since 1978 in partnership with the Australian Museum.
We seek donations that are used to run four major programs – explore them below. Our programs produce excellent science that informs management and conservation of coral reefs, and they build Australia’s capacity in marine science through education and career development. Our Science Committee works closely with the Australian Museum to ensure that donated funds are spent wisely.
LIRRF operates with very low overheads. All Trustees volunteer their time and expertise. We have no office and minimal administrative expenses, with the Australian Museum providing some support. Total annual costs run at less than 4% of funds raised – some years considerably less than this figure. All funds donated go directly to support science and maintain infrastructure to support research at Lizard Island Research Station.
Our Programs
Program 1 - Fellowships
We provide fellowships that support field-intensive coral reef research by PhD students and early-career researchers. Learn more >
Program 2 - Research grants
We provide grants for critical research that is often time-sensitive and for which funds may not be readily available from another source. Learn more >
Program 3 - Research facilities
We provide the facilities and equipment that support coral reef research and education at Lizard Island Research Station. Learn more >
Program 4 - Education
We provide educational opportunities for future researchers and their mentors at Lizard Island Research Station. Learn more >
Our people
The Foundation is a charitable trust. The role of the Foundation’s Trustees is to oversee fiduciary interests of the Trust and raise funds for research at the Australian Museum’s Lizard Island Research Station and elsewhere on the Great Barrier Reef.
Our history
Lizard Island Research – a partnership explores the history of the unique relationship between the Australian Museum and the Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation that has resulted in the development of Lizard Island Research Station. Download the book here (pdf, 17 MB).
Professor Frank Talbot AM was the Australian Museum’s Director between 1966 and 1975 and is the founder of Lizard Island Research Station.
In this video, Frank Talbot reflects on his career and environmental change on the eve of the inaugural Talbot Oration in July 2021.
This annual event is run by the Australian Museum. It showcases advances in the field of climate change research and environmental conservation and celebrates Frank’s commitment to, and achievements in, marine research and environmental studies.
Coral reefs need our help
The Great Barrier Reef is a vital part of our ecosystem and a natural wonder beloved by Australians. It is a World Heritage Area that is at risk of being listed as 'in danger' in recognition of the many challenges it faces.
Science and the will for change are the only possible solutions. Our work is helping.
Will you help us?
Contact
Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation
c/- Australian Museum
1 William Street, Sydney NSW 2010
admin@lirrf.org
Lizard Island Research Station
lizard@australian.museum
+61 (0)7 4060 3977
Weather & Ocean Observations
Latest Lizard Island Weather & Oceanic Observations from the AIMS Data Centre