Duchess of Gloucester Visits ASU BIOS
The Duchess of Gloucester visited the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences [ASU BIOS] meeting with faculty, scientists and students.
A spokesperson said, “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester visited the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences [ASU BIOS], a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University, in recognition of the institute’s international leadership in ocean research and education.
“The visit celebrated ASU BIOS’s contributions to the study of the Sargasso Sea and the wider Atlantic Ocean, as well as its long-standing educational partnerships that have brought undergraduate and graduate students, along with postdoctoral scholars, to Bermuda from leading universities around the world.
“Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Craig Carlson, president and director of ASU BIOS, who hosted the visit. The occasion underscored ASU BIOS’s role as part of the Global Futures Laboratory, reflecting its dual mission of advancing cutting-edge research while supporting local education and community engagement.”
Craig Carlson described it as “an opportunity to celebrate ASU BIOS’s century-long legacy and its evolving role in responding to global environmental challenges.”
He added that ASU BIOS “not only advances research but forges connections between Bermuda, the UK, Canada, US and beyond” adding, “our campus is a hub for ocean science that takes strength from its international networks and long-term commitment to educating the next generation of marine scientists.”
A spokesperson added, “During her tour, the Duchess met with faculty, scientists, students, and education leaders who presented a range of programs. Highlights included the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study [BATS] and Hydrostation S, two of the world’s longest-running ocean observation programs. These programs have monitored changes in ocean temperature, chemistry, and biology for decades, supported by the institute’s research vessel, Atlantic Explorer.
“Her Royal Highness also learned about the Oleander Program, a collaboration with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and BIOS-SCOPE, one of ASU BIOS’s largest international collaborations investigating microbiology and biogeochemistry of the oceans.”
The Duchess was accompanied by Governor Andrew Murdoch who remarked, “ASU BIOS is a world-class institution, and this visit is an opportunity to showcase the incredible work that is done in Bermuda. The research done here is of global significance. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful facility on our shores, providing an opportunity for young Bermudians to learn about the Ocean and how to protect it.
“With its strong network of international collaborations, ASU BIOS serves as a bridge between Arizona State University and students worldwide seeking experiential learning opportunities in marine science.”
A spokesperson added, “Through programs such as Ocean Academy, ASU BIOS has provided hands-on STEM training to more than 25,700 young Bermudians since 2010, fostering scientific literacy and building local capacity. Since 1976, the Bermuda Program has supported over 300 local students through internships and summer research fellowships, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in science, policy, insurance, and education both in Bermuda and abroad.”
“We were honored to welcome The Duchess and have our student leaders demonstrate the impact of our educational programs,” said Kaitlin Noyes, director of education and community engagement. “Ocean Academy is helping to build local STEM capacity and preparing Bermudians to thrive as researchers and ocean stewards.”
ASU BIOS has also maintained a close relationship with universities across the United Kingdom and Canada. Through philanthropic support, more than 200 university students from these regions have participated in educational programs at the Bermuda campus. “Our partnerships with Canadian and UK institutions are vital as higher education becomes increasingly global,” said Andrew Peters, director of education for University Programs. “The leverage and collaboration we enjoy with these universities strengthen our collective response to global challenges.”
A spokesperson added, “Founded in 1903, ASU BIOS has grown into a world-class institution with research spanning marine biology, chemistry, physics, climate science, and environmental monitoring. The Duchess’s visit celebrated the institute’s rich history and reaffirmed its leadership in ocean science at a critical moment for global climate, marine health, and biodiversity.”
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