April 2020  | View previous edition

Hi ,

A message from AIMS CEO, Dr Paul Hardisty

This last few weeks has been an extraordinarily difficult time for people, organisations and countries around the world.  The speed and ferocity with which the pandemic has swept through our lives is something I am sure few of us will forget.

And yet, amidst the personal tragedy and the economic hardship, organisations of all kinds continue their vital work. AIMS is no exception. We moved early and aggressively to protect our people and operations from the effects of COVID-19, so we could continue to deliver our mission of delivering the science the nation needs to protect and better manage our valuable marine environment for the future. The recent widespread bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef reminds us that while the COVID-19 crisis is acute, it is also temporary, and the big long-term issues facing society, such as climate change and the global loss of biodiversity, are arguably much greater risks to human health and prosperity, and require our urgent attention.

With that in mind, AIMS is working hard to maintain delivery of our essential research. Our staff have largely been working from home for almost a month, but thanks to recent investment in new systems and processes, continue to conduct the analysis, modelling and writing required to produce the world-leading research for which we are known. The National Sea Simulator, the world’s most advanced research aquarium complex, continues to operate; and while our two ocean-going research vessels have temporarily ceased activity, we are working on ways of reducing risks to an acceptable level so we can get back onto and into the water as soon as possible. 

We continue to focus on the continuous improvement of everything we do, recognising that now, more than ever, we need to reassert the importance of science, data, fact, robust analysis, and rational thought as guiding principles in our society, vital to a prosperous and healthy future.

AIMS is a values-driven organisation. The importance and relevance of these values has been reinforced during this crisis. Our approach from the outset has been based on the values enshrined in our Strategy 2025: safety, collaboration, innovation, integrity, passion, respect and care for the environment. That strategy calls on AIMS to  deliver three key impacts for the nation:

1. Help improve marine health and resilience;
2. Deliver research that underpins the creation of environmental, social and economic net benefits for Australia; and
3. Help protect coral reefs from the effects of climate change.

To achieve these things, we need to keep delivering on our existing projects. And importantly, we are already thinking ahead now about how we are going to come out of this crisis strong and ready to deliver solutions for the bigger, longer- term issues facing this planet.

Throughout it all, AIMS will not lose sight of what is important: people, values, knowledge, and a healthy planet. We have dealt with adversity before - the Townsville floods of last year tested us severely, but we came through, kept delivering, and supported each other through it.  This challenge will be no different. We are getting on with the job of understanding our seas and oceans, and all the life within, so all Australians can continue to enjoy the huge economic, social and environmental benefits they provide us, while protecting them for the future.

Dr Paul Hardisty                                                                                                                   
Chief Executive Officer

AIMS response to COVID-19

Learn about the changes we have made to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our people, and delivery of the best marine science for the nation.