Marine Science Day

What is Marine Science Day?

This family-friendly, virtual event will provide participants of all ages with the opportunity to interact with our faculty, staff, and students as well as explore areas of research conducted at VIMS. As one of the largest marine research and education centers in the United States and a global leader in coastal and estuarine science, VIMS focuses on the challenges faced by coastal communities around the world. Our scientists study harmful algal blooms, underwater grasses, sea-level rise, pollution, sharks, oysters, shellfish aquaculture, and everything in between. Marine Science Day will feature videos and resources on these topics to explore at your leisure as well as live-streamed talks and Q&A sessions with our scientists. We hope you join us for what will be a fun, educational, and engaging day of exploration.

Marine Life Costume Contest

Show us your creativity by using materials you have at home to dress yourself, your family, or your pet like a marine plant or animal! Then take a photo and register for Marine Science Day. You will receive an email on May 28 with a link to the MSD virtual platform and instructions on how to upload your photo for the contest. Photos must be uploaded before 1:00 pm on May 30. A live-streamed awards ceremony for the contest will take place at 2:15 pm that day via the virtual platform.

This contest is open to all ages, and individual, family, and pet costumes are welcome!

Awards will be given for

1. Most Original Plant or Animal
2. Most Creative Use of Materials
3. Best Family Costume
4. Best Representation of a Plant or Animal
5. Best Pet Costume
6. Grand Prize

Prizes will be mailed to winners after May 30th. Grand prize winner will receive merchandise from the VIMS Gift Shop valued at $100, Pet Costume Category winner will receive a gift pack of pet-friendly VIMS gear, all other category winners will receive merchandise from the VIMS Gift Shop valued at $50.

By submitting photos for the Marine Life Costume Contest, you agree to allow use of those photos, without compensation, as determined by VIMS/William & Mary. Uses include, but are not limited to, VIMS’ website, flyers, local newspapers, promotional videos, and social-media channels (such as Facebook, Instagram, and Flickr).

Art Contest

Each year VIMS asks the community to help design the artwork for Marine Science Day. People of all ages are encouraged to submit entries. Winning artwork is featured on the Marine Science Day t-shirt and promotional materials.

The Art Contest is typically announced at the beginning of February with entries due in March. 

We hope you will consider submitting artwork in 2021! 

Schedule of Events