The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is a global leader in tropical marine science. Consistently ranking among the top one per cent of specialist research institutions internationally, AIMS is known for its unique capacity to investigate topics ranging from broad-scale biodiversity and ecology to microbiology.

AIMS provides research capability that is directly relevant to the sustainable use and conservation of both Australian and global tropical marine ecosystems.

The Institute's current research activities support the management of tropical marine environments in the face of threats such as climate change and declining water quality. There is a strong focus on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, northwest Australia and Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia, where detailed ecological and environmental monitoring programs are in place.

Highly specialised facilities ,expert staff and well developed partnerships have secured the Institute's position in the international research and development effort.