Post by UC Science

From Antarctica’s icy extremes to international acclaim 🐧🏆 Last year, UC Faculty of Science researcher Professor Michelle LaRue helped bring the remarkable story of emperor penguins to global audiences as a scientific consultant for Heart of the Emperor, the first in National Geographic’s documentary series Secrets of the Penguins. Drawing on more than 15 years of Antarctic research, Professor LaRue worked with British producer Heather Cruickshank and wildlife cinematographer Sara Matasick to capture emperor penguin behaviour, ecology and life in one of the world’s most challenging environments. Her work at the University of Canterbury combines satellite imagery and animal tracking to better understand how Antarctic wildlife is responding to environmental change. We’re thrilled to see the documentary series continue its success, recently winning Outstanding Nature Documentary, while Heart of the Emperor was recognised for Outstanding Cinematography at the News & Documentary Emmy Awards. It’s a powerful example of how science and storytelling can work together to deepen our understanding of the natural world and inspire action for its future. Read more about Professor LaRue's work on the documentary series in this 2025 article: https://lnkd.in/eTG_8DSg Photo credit: Michelle LaRue All activities were conducted under permits provided by the relevant National Antarctic Programs and adhere to the Environmental Protocol under the Antarctic Treaty. #UCScience #Antarctica #Penguins #ScienceCommunication #Documentary #ResearchImpact