The University of Strathclyde's Marine Institute (SMI) is an exciting prospect. At the launch it was clear that the many strands of research within the University could be pulled together to form a considerable coherent volume of activity. This would involve research underway within all four of the University's Faculties.
As with many of these ventures there is a risk that, if there isn't sufficient impetus from those involved, there will be little coordinated effort between groups. Much high quality research will still go on in individual groups but in order to make the most of the opportunity an injection of pace is sometimes needed. This can be provided by funding and resourcing from the top down but it is often better achieved from the bottom up.
This can be achieved in a number of ways but if collaborations happen in an natural fashion rather than in an orchestrated way they are more likely to be useful and sustainable. One of the most efficient ways to do this is by simply advertising to all the Institute what everyone is doing.
This can be through a simple email list, or web page, which all members can use to post news about their research, seminars taking place, new grants etc., or through a specific seminar series with speakers who have research interests that cross boundaries.
Hopefully Strathclyde's Marine Institute will thrive and develop in this way. There certainly is plenty of potential to do this.
In looking around the world at other Marine Institutes it is clear that Strathclyde has some way to go to compete with the world's best, but if the will to make it happen is there then I am sure it will happen. Being located in Scotland, with the sixth largest marine-based comments in the world and a government who is keen to invest in this area, will be a distinct advantage.
A quick Google search for the term "marine institute" gives the following top results,
As with many of these ventures there is a risk that, if there isn't sufficient impetus from those involved, there will be little coordinated effort between groups. Much high quality research will still go on in individual groups but in order to make the most of the opportunity an injection of pace is sometimes needed. This can be provided by funding and resourcing from the top down but it is often better achieved from the bottom up.
This can be achieved in a number of ways but if collaborations happen in an natural fashion rather than in an orchestrated way they are more likely to be useful and sustainable. One of the most efficient ways to do this is by simply advertising to all the Institute what everyone is doing.
This can be through a simple email list, or web page, which all members can use to post news about their research, seminars taking place, new grants etc., or through a specific seminar series with speakers who have research interests that cross boundaries.
Hopefully Strathclyde's Marine Institute will thrive and develop in this way. There certainly is plenty of potential to do this.
In looking around the world at other Marine Institutes it is clear that Strathclyde has some way to go to compete with the world's best, but if the will to make it happen is there then I am sure it will happen. Being located in Scotland, with the sixth largest marine-based comments in the world and a government who is keen to invest in this area, will be a distinct advantage.
A quick Google search for the term "marine institute" gives the following top results,
The Google search "marine institute UK" gives,
... and the search "marine institute Scotland" gives SAMS and the Strathclyde Marine Institute. There is clearly nothing wrong with the publicity of SMI but we need to make sure anyone looking at the webpage really understands the amount of activity we have in the University.
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