Benefits of AMSA Membership
Member benefit
As an organisation dedicated to communication amongst professionals working in all fields of marine science, and dissemination of knowledge about the marine environment to the wider public, AMSA offers a wide-ranging set of benefits for members. AMSA takes particular pride in supporting the next generation of marine scientists in Australia, while also providing a strong network to facilitate collaboration and exchange of information for the established science community. AMSA encompasses all research areas of marine sciences, including oceanography, ecology, fisheries sciences and socio-ecological studies, thereby facilitating integration and positioning AMSA members for interdisciplinary collaboration that extend across regions, biomes and study fields.
A) Benefits for the next generation of marine scientists
- Mentoring
AMSA provides multiple opportunities for mentoring of students by experienced marine scientists. This can occur at workshops, conferences and student nights, and through activities organised by state branches, including student workshops with invited researchers who are leaders in their fields. - Information about opportunities
Job announcements and scholarship opportunities (Honours, PhD and Post-doc) are regularly announced via 'amsalist' emails to all members, giving AMSA members early notice of vacancies in different research fields. - Voluntary work and work experience
Via announcements on 'amsalist' or through state branch activities, numerous opportunities exist for students or young professional members to volunteer and gain work experience, thus advancing their skills and networking with the marine science community. - Prizes and awards
AMSA offers numerous awards and prizes to honour outstanding research presentations (oral or poster) by post-graduate students, as well as offering travel awards to attend international conferences or the annual AMSA conference. In addition, state branches may offer awards.
B) Benefits for all members
- Knowledge dissemination
AMSA provides numerous opportunities for the transfer of knowledge and members can share the latest information and knowledge pertinent to marine sciences through the 'amsalist' and at annual conferences. AMSA members will thus always be abreast of new developments in marine science and technology. - Journal subscription
As a mechanism for information dissemination, all members received subscription to the AMSA Bulletin, a publication that has chronicled activities and developments in the various marine science fields for over 40 years. - Professional development
Training courses or thematic workshops, for example on taxonomic skills, scientific writing, or latest technologies, are regularly offered to AMSA members in association with annual conferences or as state branch activities. - Networking
Collaboration is an increasingly important aspect of scientific research. The network of marine scientists established between AMSA members facilitates the development of multidisciplinary research opportunities and collaboration. This can, for example, increase chances for success in grant applications. - Input to national policies
AMSA represents Australia's marine science community in the debate and revision of governmnet policies pertinent to marine sciences, such as scientific diving, marine research infrastructure and facilities, general marine policy (for example on Marine Protected Areas, Biodiversity, or in relation to fisheries), and skills shortages. AMSA provides a collective voice for Australia's marine science community and links into discussions in Canberra through its membership of FASTS (Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies). Every year, two to three AMSA members have the opportunity to challenge parliamentarians by participating as AMSA representatives at the annual "Science Meets Parliament". - Social benefits
AMSA is also dedicated to strengthening social networks among marine scientists who share common interests. Many long-term friendships have evolved during the annual conference and workshops, which include opportunities to have some fun.
C) Realisation of benefits
The benefits outlined above are achieved by means of the Bulletin; annual conferences, which rotate between states; workshops; AMSA email list; AMSA website, as well as personal communications between members. State branches organjise further activities to engage members.
D) Future initiatives
Ongoing change in society requires constant adaptation. As part of this process, AMSA Council is currently exploring further avenues to improve member benefits. Future possibilities under discussion include
- electronic news-sheets,
- advertising jobs and volunteer opportunities on the website,
- a more flexible and interactive website, including news updates,
- grant funding support,
- small grants scheme,
- bookending the annual conference with training courses
- the President blogging his every move and thought on Twitter