Learned Society activities

SAMS is a Learned Society whose membership is open to all who have an enduring interest in the marine environment. We currently have around 450 members from all over the world. In this capacity SAMS is involved with science in society initiatives, organises scientific meetings that facilitate discussions in the marine science community e.g. through the Scottish Marine Group or by hosting conferences, administers a marine science bursary scheme, produces a magazine, an Annual Report and occasionally other publications, and contributes to public consultations and discussions about improving the stewardship of the marine environment.

Since its beginnings in the late 19th century the Association has been strongly committed to public and academic education and public discussions. We thus continue in a long tradition when we engage with both primary and secondary school education, as well as local and regional environment fairs and science festivals including our own Oban, Lorn and the Isles Festival of the Sea. We also showcase some of our research findings to the wider public by exhibiting in aquaria and science centres, and are now developing our own exhibition and outreach centre (The Scottish Ocean Explorer Centre). 

The adult general public receives most of its information on research findings from the media and SAMS thus operates a proactive media strategy to disseminate its research findings to the wider community.

SAMS engages actively with its local community. Regular open days are held at the Scottish Marine Institute to ensure that local people remain fully informed about the type of work carried out by the Association. We also engage with local schools and provide workplace experience for young people. Through our engagement with the new University of the Highlands and Islands we contribute to improving the future of the highlands and islands of Scotland through the development of a regional collegiate university.