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BAMOS February 2026
13 such as understanding the development of marine heatwaves and the impact of extreme storm systems on coastal circulation and inundation. Internationally, the Centre will be supported by world-leading research organisations, including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the UK National Oceanography Centre and the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel.
Together, the Centre and this cohort of organisations will develop ground-breaking work across four research programs( RPs):
RP1“ Our Changing Oceans’ will transform our understanding of cross-scale ocean processes, carbon and nutrient fluxes, sea level rise, marine heatwaves and compound extreme events. For example, RP1 will provide new sea-level projections at a fine spatial scale, linking offshore ocean climate variability to coastal impacts.
RP2“ Digital Oceans” will develop a new cross-scale modelling system and use artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance real-time forecasting and translate sparse ocean observations into critical information for both marine protection and marine industries.
In RP3,“ Science for Ocean & Coastal Resilience”, the Centre will develop advanced tools and prediction systems to enhance coastal hazard prediction. A key focus of the program will be to examine how projected future extreme events impact Australia’ s coastal communities and ecosystems at the local scale.
Finally, RP4“ Science for Ocean Resources” will translate the science developed in RP1 and RP2 into new digital products for Australia’ s marine industries, including predictive tools for fisheries and aquaculture, as well as ship navigation planning tools. RP4 aims to enhance the resilience of Australia ' s marine economy, which generates $ 120 billion per year and supports more than 400,000 jobs.
These programs will begin operations later in the year, with ocean scientists and engineers across various career stages, including research fellows and PhD students, set to join the Centre.
“ A defining legacy of our Centre will be its investment in people. We will mentor and train a new generation of world-class ocean scientists, equipping Australia with the workforce needed to address future ocean and coastal challenges,” said Professor England.
With its national scope, integrated vision, and long-term commitment, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Our Future Oceans will deliver real-world impact and the essential breakthroughs needed to better protect Australia ' s oceans both now and into the future.
Our Future Oceans team photo. From left to right: Amandine Schaeffer, Annie Foppert, Nicole Jones, Adele Morrison, Michael Ellwood, Helen Bostock, Andrew Kiss, Zanna Chase, Shane Keating, Michelle Heupel, Callum Shakespeare, Kristen Splinter, Kial Stewart, Pete Strutton, Matthew England, Nathan Bindoff, Moninya Roughan, Matt Rayson, Paul Spence, Tom Baldock, Ian Turner, Nicola Maher, Jeff Hansen, Laurie Menviel, Andy Hogg and Ant Richardson. Credit: Matthew England