The Australian Institute of Marine Science is one of the most innovative and progressive research laboratories in the world with unparalleled capability in the field of cutting-edge tropical marine science and technology. AIMS was established by the Australian Government in 1972 under the Australian Institute of Marine Science Act 1972 in recognition of the importance of marine assets, especially the Great Barrier Reef, to Australia. Today AIMS is recognised worldwide for the quality of its research into marine environments, and their resources including biotechnology and aquaculture. AIMS’ mission is to conduct innovative research that advances understanding of our oceans and coastal ecosystems, facilitates good stewardship of marine resources, develops sustainable wealth creation opportunities, and contributes to the discovery and development of new marine-based bioproducts for industry and human health. To do this, AIMS surveys and documents marine life – from the coast to the edge of the continental shelf; monitors changes and identifies trends in the marine environment; and searches the seafloor for novel compounds that can be used to develop pharmaceuticals, health care products, crop protection agents, and applications for environmental remediation. The organisation is also developing aquacultural techniques for the production of food, materials and fine chemicals. AIMS has an active programme for patenting and commercialising technologies developed within the Institute, including those developed in conjunction with academic or commercial partners. AIMS takes seriously its responsibility to transfer its intellectual property to users. AIMS is home to a dynamic team of 167 scientists and research support staff who provide specialised skills across three research groups and in the areas of Data Management, Information Technology, Engineering, Field Operations, Information Services, Science Communication and Corporate Services. Many of our scientists are world authorities in their field and have achieved international acclaim for their research. AIMS headquarters is ideally located on a 170 hectare coastal site 50 km from Townsville, in a scientific zone surrounded by National Park and Marine Reserve. The location was selected because of its proximity to the geographical centre of the Great Barrier Reef and access to clean seawater. This strategic position provides a fast transition from the sea to the lab, a key advantage in the field of marine science. Two smaller offices, in Fremantle, Western Australia and Darwin, Northern Territory, provide direct links for research partners and clients in these regions. The Institute’s expertise is engaged throughout Australia’s ocean territory, from tropical northern Australia to the Antarctic, and in tropical waters worldwide. National and international research partnerships and collaborations enhance AIMS’ capacity and influence well beyond Australia’s shores. At its Townsville headquarters, AIMS uses modern research laboratories, manufacturing workshops, and a state-of-the-art Biomolecular Analysis Facility that allows for fast and accurate investigations into molecular structures and chemical relationships specific to the marine environment. A research fleet comprising two ships, the RV Lady Basten and the RV Cape Ferguson, and several smaller boats provide both access to all Australian marine environments and the capacity for cutting-edge oceanographic studies. During 2004-2005, the ships supported 46 research expeditions averaging 274 days at sea. Put simply, AIMS finds out what’s out there, how it works, develops knowledge to protect it and benefit from it. The Institute’s expertise in tropical marine ecosystems combined with a multidisciplinary capability enables the full spectrum of scientific investigation to take place, from the seafloor to the lab bench. Using a collaborative approach, AIMS further enhances its capacity and capabilities ensuring maximum effort to improve our understanding of our complex marine ecosystems. Specialised infrastructure supports our research capabilities which include coral reef ecology; water quality; biodiversity assessment; coastal oceanography and modeling; coastal ecosystems and sustainable development; climate change and impacts; long term monitoring and datasets; tropical aquaculture; systematics; marine microbiology; marine natural products chemistry; marine physiology; evolutionary biology; and functional genomics.