Deakin University’s Marine Science Centre continues supporting new climate change and ocean health research thanks to a $3.5 million upgrade.
The state government invested $1 million through the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF) along with Deakin’s $2.5 million contribution to the project.
Improvements included two new seawater aquarium rooms, a refurbished tank area, and a high-performance computing lab for the experimental learning of Bachelor of Marine Science students.
Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre director Professor John Donald said he was “very proud” of the university’s “internationally renowned marine research scientists”.
“They are addressing important issues such as ocean warming, fish growth, kelp restoration and plastics pollution, which significantly impact ocean health,” he said.
“The new facilities at Queenscliff will increase the quality and quantity of our research to benefit the region and Australia and train the next generation of ocean scientists.
“We are excited to provide our undergraduate students with rooms and equipment that deliver the best hands-on educational experience and practical skills for marine, environmental or conservation sciences careers.”
Works on the centre began in January 2022, with the project’s final stage of installing a high-speed AARNET cable for ocean modelling research computing capability due to be delivered in November.
The VHESIF program is a significant investment in Deakin research, with $133 million from Deakin University and the state government helping support eleven major projects across five locations.
The school conducts research on the impact of ocean warming, increased temperatures on fish physiology, threatened kelp ecosystem restoration tools, and oceanographic modelling.
With a long-standing partnership with the Victorian Fisheries Authority, Deakin collaborates on regional research projects.
These projects include resolving biological connections among southern ocean crab fisheries and the Corner Inlet Rock Flathead stock structure.
More information on Deakin University’s Queenscliff Marine Science Centre project is available at deakin.au/QMSC
