ATSIMS students dive into marine science

MEDIA RELEASE

19 May 2016 | PDF (70 KB)

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) opens its doors on Thursday 19^th May to more than 40 year 8 – 10 Indigenous secondary students as part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Marine Science (ATSIMS) program. Fostering the next generation of marine science leaders is at the heart of the ATSIMS program, and AIMS provides an inspirational backdrop.

“On behalf of AIMS, it gives me great pleasure to welcome the 2016 ATSIMS participants and local Indigenous rangers to our main research centre in Townsville. The ATSIMS visit to AIMS provides students an opportunity to experience cutting-edge marine science in a world-class laboratory setting,”said AIMS CEO, Mr John Gunn.

“AIMS fully supports the wonderful work the ATSIMS program does to inspire the next generation of young scientists,” Mr Gunn added.

ATSIMS students enjoy a range of hands-on activities during their visit to AIMS. Image: AIMS

Hailing from four schools in the North Queensland region, students will be engaging with some of AIMS’ most prominent marine scientists leading them on a journey to:

• uncover the mysteries hidden inside the world’s largest coral core;
• tour the world’s smartest aquarium;
• get the scoop on menacing micro-plastics, and
• explore the Great Barrier Reef in 360° virtual reality.

Now in its 4th year, the ATSIMS program continues to support participating Indigenous students to explore a career in marine science and pursue tertiary studies in the sciences. The program combines western science concepts with Traditional Ecological Knowledge and provides opportunities for more Indigenous Australians to be represented in careers in organisations charged with researching and managing the Great Barrier Reef. The Australian Institute of Marine Science proudly supports this endeavour.

In addition to AIMS, the ATSIMS program is supported by James Cook University (Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Centre), the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, AIMS@JCU, World Wildlife Fund, Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation, Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection and Glencore.

Media Contact

Mr Steve Clarke, Communication Manager, Australian Institute of Marine Science

+61 (7) 4753 4444, +61 (0) 419 668 497, s.clarke@aims.gov.au