Message from the CEO, John Gunn
Edition 2 | 2017
Welcome to the winter 2017 edition of Waypoint.
While major coral bleaching events in both 2016 and 2017 brought global attention to the impact of environmental change on reef ecosystems, particularly the Great Barrier Reef, AIMS’ long-term, large-scale scientific research and monitoring has allowed us to put these impacts into context. Our Summary Report on Coral Reef Condition, produced annually by the AIMS Long-term Monitoring Team, provides much more than an assessment of the initial impact of individual disturbances on the reef – it describes the net change across the reef due to all disturbances during the year. In doing so, it provides a robust and reliable picture of how the reef is tracking – an essential input for management planning.
As a publically funded research agency, AIMS has always been proud of its science innovation and excellence, as well as the delivery of information that meets the needs of industry, government and the community. So we were quite chuffed recently when an analysis of AIMS’ citation impact in Web of Science journals in our core disciplinary field of marine and freshwater biology using Thomson Reuters’ InCites research analytical tool showed that, over the period 2011-2016, AIMS was ranked number one in Australia and second globally (behind only Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution). These rankings are clear evidence that mission-orientated institutions can contribute strongly to the advancement of academic knowledge while producing science that solves problems, and helps governments and industries make good decisions. In a world where science is the key to solving most of the grand challenges of our time, I would recommend it as a model for the community as a whole to follow.
It was interesting to note that all of the global top ten organisations were able to support their scientific programs with excellent research infrastructure such as research vessels, data systems and laboratories. With AIMS’ RV Solander and RV Cape Ferguson each spending in the order of 300 days at sea each year, and laboratory facilities such as the National Sea Simulator (SeaSim - our world-class research aquarium facility) at the disposal of our scientists, we can certainly hold our own in such highly-rated company.
In 2015 we established the Sino-Australian Centre for Healthy Coasts – a collaboration between AIMS and the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Science. The Centre is facilitating collaborative research aimed at developing better systems to monitor, manage and, where necessary rebuild, coastal and marine ecosystems. With over 100 independent research institutes and its own universities, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is the largest science organisation in the world. So while visiting Qingdao in April I was delighted when AIMS was invited to develop a memorandum of understanding to facilitate a broader and enduring collaboration with the Academy as a whole. There is no doubt that China is an emerging global science power, and in marine science, they are investing heavily in the development of capability and partnership with world leading institutions. AIMS will look forward to working with CAS as we identify areas for collaboration in technology development, environmental research and improved decision making by resource and environmental managers.
From a personal perspective, this will be my last message as my term as CEO ends this month. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding five and half years at the helm of one of the world’s foremost marine science institutions. I leave AIMS at a good time – it is in a strong position financially, has a clear strategy for science impact and excellence, has good momentum with strong partnerships across the science, government and industry sectors and an excellent leadership team. I would like to thank all who have supported me and AIMS over my term, and wish all the very best to Dr Paul Hardisty who will step into the CEO role on 24 July.
