AMSA Membership
AMSA membership is open to those working and studying in all discplines of marine science. Supporting AMSA through membership provides direct support for efforts in marine science research.
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Membership Benefits
- Access to member communications (AMSA Bulletin, e-News and other such material)
- Reduced registration fee at the AMSA Annual Conference
- Participation in activities of state branches
- Eligibility for student awards and prizes
- Opportunity to stand as a council member or office bearer
- Opportunity to contribute to position statements and submissions on marine science and government policy
- Affiliate membership of Science and Technology Australia (STA)
- Networking of scientists for development of research opportunities and multidisciplinary collaboration, and dissemination of knowledge about marine science to the wider public
AMSA 2022 Conference
Science in Sea Country
Gold Coast
2 - 7 July 2023
Don’t miss the AMSA 2023 Conference, where marine scientists will come together to advance our understanding
of Australia’s unique marine environment!
The ‘Science in Sea Country’ theme supports AMSA’s recognition of the enduring connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have with their Sea Countries, and acknowledges the critical role that the ecological and cultural knowledge of Australia’s first scientists plays in the sustainability of our seas.
The 57th annual AMSA conference will be held from July 2-7, 2023, on the Gold Coast (Queensland), Yugambeh Language Area. This is a national marine science forum that will provide a space to exchange traditional knowledge and modern science. Together, this will provide a strong foundation for understanding marine ecosystems, and inform marine management decisions. AMSA 2023 also aims to foster student and early career researcher participation, by providing a platform for professional development and networking in a supportive, inclusive space. AMSA meetings promote a culture of inclusion, and bring together a diverse range of delegates working in all fields of marine science, conservation and management.
The AMSA 2023 Conference will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, in the heart of the vibrant Broadbeach area, close to the beach and many accommodation, dining, transport and entertainment options.
>> Submit your symposium topic
>> Workshop submissions are open
2022 AMSA Award Winners
Jubilee Award
First awarded in AMSA's Silver Jubilee Year (1988), our professional award recognises excellence in marine research and is presented to a scientist who has made an outstanding contribution to marine research in Australia.
The 2022 Jubilee Award winner is Dr Peter Scanes, formerly of NSW Department of Planning and Environment, for his significant and impactful contributions to estuarine monitoring and process understanding.
Emerging Leader in Marine Science Award
This award was established in 2020 and is presented to an early or mid-career scientist in recognition of their outstanding reserach and academic achievements in marine science and the translation of their research for engagement outside of academia and mentoring of other young scientists.
The 2022 Emerging Leader in Marine Science is Dr Kirsty Nash, an affiliated researcher with the Centre for Marine Socioecology in Hobart, for her impactful and interdisciplinary work across coral reef ecosystems, health, science communication, and gender equity in academia.
Excellence in Sea Country Award
This award will be inaugurated at the AMSA 2022 Conference in Cairns and is intended to recognise the outstanding contribution or leadership potential of an Indigenous marine scientist, ranger, communicator, or educator to the advancement of marine science and knowledge in Australia.
The inaugural Excellence in Sea Country Award has two winners, one of whom is Stephan Schnierer for decades of work on Indigenous cultural fisheries practices through research, policy development and rights advocacy.
The inaugural Excellence in Sea Country Award has two winners, one of whom is Azton Howard from the Bardi Jawi Rangers and Kimberley Land Council for his role in expanding the scope of Ranger activities and engagement of Indigenous Rangers across diverse ecological projects.
Technical Award
The 2022 Technical Award winner is Graeme Ewing from the University of Tasmania for his 30 years of support to several research institutes through field sampling, laboratory work, data management and analysis, equipment design, and effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
Allen Award
This award is intended to recognise an outstanding postgraduate student by providing financial support to attend the upcoming AMSA conference, giving the student the opportunity to gain experience and contacts.
The 2022 Allen Award winner is Peter Doll from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University. The focus of Peter’s PhD research and AMSA conference talk is larval settlement in the destructive crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS).