PML welcomes Dr Richard Brinkman of the Australian Institute of Marine Science

12 October 2023

Above: Dr Richard Brinkman with Professor James Fishwick, who provided a tour of the Smart Sound Laboratory  

We were delighted to welcome Dr Richard Brinkman - the Chief Operating Officer of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) - to the laboratory this week. 

Established in 1972, AIMS provides world-class research that helps governments, industry and the community make informed decisions about the management of Australia’s marine estate.  

As modern research organisations, AIMS and PML share similar operating challenges when it comes to supporting infrastructure, people and skills, growing science capability and environmental sustainability. 

Dr Brinkman’s visit this week was centered on information sharing; to see how we approach some of these challenges, and to also share lessons from his experiences at AIMS. 

AIMS hosted our own Chief Executive, Professor Icarus Allen, in August last year. 

Professor Allen said: 

“Collaboration and information-sharing is, and always has been, key to advancing science and developing best-practice. We were delighted to host Richard Brinkman of AIMS to the laboratory this week, and we are thankful to have such a productive and well-established relationship between our organisations. This has been a valuable opportunity to learn from others in the sector, who are also developing world-class, cutting-edge research; thereby supporting our collective mission of a more sustainable ocean future.” 

Above: Dr Richard Brinkman with our Chief Executive Professor Icarus Allen 

During his visit, Dr Brinkman delivered a seminar to our colleagues, presenting an overview of AIMS, and a summary of noteworthy AIMS projects and initiatives.  

Above: Dr Richard Brinkman delivering a seminar to our colleagues. 

He also shared some information regarding their 2030 strategy – including impact targets in critical research areas such as coral reef restoration and adaptation, ecological modelling, blue carbon solutions, supporting the transition to renewable energy, decision science, and importantly incorporating traditional knowledge in Indigenous science partnerships, supported by the application of new technology to increase the reach and alacrity of their science.   

Above: Dr Richard Brinkman with Professor James Fishwick, who provided a tour of the Smart Sound Laboratory  

About Dr Richard Brinkman:   

Before becoming Chief Operating Officer, Richard held the role of AIMS Research Program Director from 2015 to 2021. In this capacity, he led a diverse, multi-disciplinary team of research scientists and technical support staff across three locations in Australia. Dr. Brinkman holds a Ph.D. in Oceanography and is an adjunct Professor at James Cook University, Townsville.  

He brings extensive expertise in observational and modeling-based research on coastal and shelf oceanography, ocean dynamics, and the interactions between biological systems and physical processes along Australia's tropical coasts and marginal seas. With over 25 years of operational experience in research infrastructure and vessel operations, he has a comprehensive understanding of the science delivery chain, from data collection to impactful solutions.