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About us

Funded by the Australian Government, we are Australia's dedicated blue-water research facility, enabling world-class research across our vast marine estate.

The Marine National Facility (MNF) was established in 1984 to provide Australia with a dedicated capability to conduct excellent ocean research for national benefit. It is national research infrastructure funded by the Australian Government and operated by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, on behalf of the nation.

The MNF includes:

  • the multidisciplinary ocean-class research vessel (RV) Investigator
  • a suite of advanced scientific instrumentation and equipment
  • a collection of 40 years of marine data made freely available for the benefit of all
  • world-leading expertise in vessel and voyage management, and technology development.

We are overseen by an independent Steering Committee which reports to the CSIRO Board.

Allocation of sea time on RV Investigator is managed through a competitive application process open to Australian researchers and their international collaborators. Project proposals are assessed for research excellence and national benefit by independent expert committees.

We strive to exceed our partner expectations in the delivery of safe, excellent and efficient marine research.

Important statistics

Our goal

To enhance the long-term prosperity of Australia’s marine environment, industries and community by providing information that supports evidence‑based decision making by government, industry and our community.

Our objective

To deliver safe, efficient and excellent marine research that maximises the opportunities and benefits from our resources to ensure we provide the highest return on investment for the nation.

Our results

An unrivalled record of delivering high quality research to furnish the national understanding. We continuously look to the future, helping researchers find solutions to our greatest challenges through innovative science and technology development.

Our history, research and impact

Discover the history of the MNF, including previous research vessels, and explore our impact and achievements.

History

The Marine National Facility has been a key element of Australia's national research infrastructure since 1984. It is based at the CSIRO Marine Laboratories in Hobart.

Year in Review

The 'Year in Review' (previously Annual Report) provides a summary of the performance of the Marine National Facility for a financial year and offers an overview of the collaborative research that was delivered.

MNF impact

Research delivered using Marine National Facility capability has provided significant insights about our oceans, weather and climate, marine geology, and marine ecosystems.

MNF teams and expertise

Got a question about accessing our capabilities or the scientific services we provide? These are the key contacts for MNF enquiries.

Looking to the horizon

marine national facility

MNF 2030 strategy

MNF 2030 provides a 10-year strategy to guide the Marine National Facility in the delivery of safe, efficient and excellent marine research to benefit the nation.

Read the strategy

Governance and committees

The Marine National Facility is overseen by an independent Steering Committee and three independent sub-committees.

MNF Steering Committee

The MNF Steering Committee assists the CSIRO Board to fulfil its governance responsibilities by providing high level advice on the ongoing delivery of ocean research capabilities for the nation.

Research Advisory Committee

The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) advises the MNF Steering Committee on the Research Quality of applications for sea time under the Merit Assessment Process.

National Benefit Advisory Committee

The National Benefit Advisory Committee (NBAC) advises the MNF Steering Committee on the Research Benefit of applications for sea time under the Merit Assessment Process.

Supplementary Scheduling Committee

The Supplementary Scheduling Committee (SSC) is a specialist working group that advises the MNF Steering Committee about certain categories of sea time applications, and voyage scheduling.

MNF newsletters

Join our mailing list to receive our MNF Newsletter and Steering Committee Communiqués.

MNF newsletter

The MNF eNewsletter is published quarterly and includes updates on MNF operations and activities, as well as features on research delivered and details of application calls for sea time on RV Investigator.

Steering Committee Communiqués

Find out the latest news about the management of the Marine National Facility via communiqués from the MNF Steering Committee.

MNF mailing list

Subscribe to receive the latest news and updates from the Marine National Facility, including when calls are made for sea time on RV Investigator.

Measuring our impact

Marine National Facility

Impact Analysis of the Marine National Facility (2020)

This report summarises an independent impact analysis conducted in 2020 by RTI International that explored Marine National Facility impacts along three dimensions: research, training, and economic impact.

View the report