Published: Wednesday, 7th May, 2008 12:00
Millport marine station...the future
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I write to correct some misunderstandings in the article on the University Marine Biological Station Millport (UMBSM) published in the April 30 edition.
There is no “probe” into the future of the Marine Station. The University of London is restructuring and it is logical to transfer ownership of UMBSM to a Scottish scientific institution. Discussions are currently in progress about the possible transfer of UMBSM from the University of London to the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS).
As a matter of historical interest, before the University of London assumed ownership, the Marine Station at Millport was formerly where SAMS was based, under its previous name, the Scottish Marine Biological Association. In your article, Dr Ken Jones was stated as being Acting Director of the Marine Station; he is not, but is Acting Director of SAMS, now at Oban.
As the National Facility for Marine Biology Fieldwork, UMBSM provides facilities for studens throughout the UK. UMBSM already has close working links with SAMS and with our complementary strengths and common interests in higher education and marine research (SAMS is an Academic Partner of the UHI Millenium Institute), it is anticpated that the educational opportunities offered would be enhanced by the proposed changes. This initiative comes at a time when discussions are underway between many Scottish institutions to deliver marine research in a more co-ordinated way in Scotland.
USBMS is also closely associated with the University of Glasgow who, as a subsidiary partner, is involved in the management of UMBSM. It is anticpated that links with Glasgow will continue.
Professor Jim Atkinson
Acting Director, UMBSM
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