Mission & Mandate
Sound science for informed management
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has a three-part mission of research, education, and advisory service. Our over-arching goals are to:
- Make seminal advances in understanding marine systems through research and discovery.
- Translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance.
- Provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with a coastal and marine sciences education of unsurpassed quality.
To meet our mission, we:
- Address cutting-edge scientific questions.
- Develop and apply technologically advanced approaches.
- Communicate research results and new technologies to both professional and public audiences.
- Consult with and guide decision-makers as they apply new knowledge to practical problems.
- Train future generations of young scientists to continue this tradition.
VIMS' mission is mandated in the Code of Virginia.