Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Science for the Bay, Impact for the World W&M's Batten School & VIMS confront societal challenges in coastal and marine systems through innovation, research and discovery, translating findings into practical solutions and training the next generation of scientists and citizens.

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News & Features

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In the News Unveiling Chesapeake Bay Hall W&M’s Batten School & VIMS recently celebrated the completion of Chesapeake Bay Hall, a state-of-the-art research facility that will fuel innovation, train future scientists and drive real-world coastal solutions for Virginia and beyond.

In the News Waves of Wonder: Marine scientists and artists collaborate to inspire environmental awareness Waves of Wonder sponsored a series of events that partnered art and marine science in new, transformative ways, bringing together students and faculty to explore novel methods of environmental storytelling.

In the News Virginia’s MSX Experience Aids Atlantic Canada A delegation from Atlantic Canada recently visited the Batten School & VIMS for insights into Virginia's management of the oyster disease MSX, which was discovered in the waters around Prince Edward Island for the first time last year.

In the News Cooking Up Sustainable Solutions: Chefs' Seafood Symposium Connects Science and Seafood Over 120 chefs, culinary students, industry professionals and researchers recently gathered at the Batten School & VIMS for the 32nd annual Chefs' Seafood Symposium.

In the News Warwick High School Triumphs as Volunteers Fuel 27th Annual Blue Crab Bowl Success The academic competition saw participation from 80 students, supported by 22 coaches and 63 volunteers, including 48 from the Batten School & VIMS.

In the News Future Heat Waves May Threaten East Coast Estuaries A first-of-its-kind study predicts estuaries along the U.S. East Coast could experience marine heat wave conditions up to a third of the year by the end of the century.

In the News After Hours Lecture Series Makes Coastal and Marine Sciences Accessible to the Public A recent Valentine's Day-themed event exemplified how this free lecture series helps bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding.

In the News Virginia's Oyster Management Efforts Paying Off A recent shows that oyster management practices in the Rappahannock River are benefiting the reefs and the fishery.

In the News New Perspectives on Algae Algae are the unsung heroes of our planet and hold great promise for solving global issues, but to realize their potential the field of phycology must overcome fundamental challenges.

In the News $50M Historic Gift Fuels Scholarships in Coastal & Marine Sciences Alumnus provides largest scholarship gift in W&M’s history to empower undergraduates dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing global challenges.

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What We Do

Photo of two children seining on the York River.

What We Do

Research & Advisory Services

VIMS is a premier coastal and marine sciences research institute and a state agency with a mandate to conduct research and provide sound scientific advice to the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the years since our founding in 1940, we have developed unique capabilities in people, practices and infrastructure that allow us to provide the honest, unbiased science and guidance needed to help address the pressing issues facing our rivers, estuaries, coasts and oceans.

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Batten School

William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences is a preeminent graduate school, providing a world-class education in coastal and marine sciences. M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. programs prepare students to address societal and global challenges in estuarine, coastal and marine systems. At the undergraduate level, students in the new coastal and marine sciences major receive full tuition support through The R. Todd Stravitz Scholars Program. A minor in Marine Science is also available through a collaboration with Arts & Sciences at William & Mary.

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Outreach & Education

Our outreach activities and place-based learning opportunities for school groups, teachers, political leaders and the public reach more than 30,000 people each year. Developing an engaged citizenry ready to tackle the challenges posed by global change is a core element of our work.

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Upcoming Events

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