Centre for Marine Science and Innovation (CMSI)

Our Mission is to provide the fundamental research and evidence-base underpinning environmental decision-making to ensure sustainable use of marine, coastal and estuarine ecosystems.

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World-leading marine research. Real-world impact.

At CMSI, we're tackling the critical challenges facing our oceans, from biodiversity loss and climate change to pollution and sustainable development.

Our multidisciplinary researchers combine marine biology and ecology, oceanography, coastal geomorphology, marine microbiology, and environmental science to understand complex marine ecosystems and develop innovative solutions for their protection and management.

We partner with government, industry, and communities to ensure our research advances knowledge, informs decision-making, and drives meaningful change for Australia's marine environments and our blue planet.

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UNSW Heron Island Coral Reefs in a Changing Climate Course

About us

At CMSI, we're a solution-based, multidisciplinary science centre focused on leading teaching and research in the workings of the marine environment.

Photograph of science students exaining water organisims and structures

Research areas

Our research focuses on the functions, processes, interactions and changes in the marine environment. Discover more.

Study with us

Learn more about marine science. View our undergraduate, postgraduate and honours courses along with videos showcasing the groundbreaking work we do within the centre.

Research articles

Driving discovery: UNSW receives $70m for two Centres of Excellence

Two new national research centres will unite leading experts to tackle challenges in ocean sustainability and quantum computing – areas critical to Australia’s future prosperity.

Dec 10, 2025

Engineering Science Science & Tech General Research Networks and partnerships Environments and systems Sustainability Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG6 SDG7 SDG8 SDG9 SDG11 SDG12 SDG13 SDG14 Centre for Marine Science and Innovation

Overlooked melting in East Antarctica could skew sea level rise projections

New research into how East Antarctica’s ice shelves melt reveals future global sea-level rise predictions could be significantly underestimated.

Oct 30, 2025

Science Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG13 SDG14 SDG15 Science & Tech General Research Networks and partnerships Sustainability Resilient society Centre for Marine Science and Innovation

Scientists warn of ‘catastrophic consequences’ as Antarctica reaches tipping point

A team of experts say the rapid and potentially irreversible changes happening across Antarctica’s ice, ocean and ecosystems will accelerate climate impacts worldwide.

Aug 21, 2025

Science Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion Science & Tech Social Affairs General SDG SDG11 SDG13 SDG14 SDG15 Centre for Marine Science and Innovation