BMSC awarded a Post-Secondary Strategic Infrastructure (SIF) grant, bringing $1.5M funding from member university presidents. The funding allowed for critical upgrades and improvements to the power grid, foreshore, main building, IT, fuel storage, seawater system, and cable tank to name a few.
Visit from philanthropist David Rockefeller Jr, his wife Susan Rockefeller, and friends from the Rockefeller Foundation and Oceana. David, Susan and their guests stopped by for a BMSC tour to observe student activities and facilities during their sailing trip around Vancouver Island.
Under the creative guidance of Massif Creative, BMSC embarks on a new look and feel, with the goal to re-energize the relationship with our five western Canadian university partners. Lacking a communications strategy and consistent brand identity made it difficult for BMSC to showcase the facilities, location, research resources, and academic achievements. The elevated brand has allowed us to attract new opportunities, and renew the bond with our partners.
BMSC has its major grant cut – NSERC Major Resources Support Program – representing about 20% of BMSC’s total budget. This was a huge blow, explains current director Sean Rogers, “leaving us on a ledge.” There were national repercussions from the loss of this grant, which has never been reinstated. Nevertheless, alumni and staff coming together creatively in the face of challenges, BMSC has found the motivation and funds to carry on.
The Bolnick Lab at the BMSC is located at the lower level of the Main Building, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Bolnick’s Lab studies the evolution and ecology of variation within species; evolutionary immunology; host-parasite co-evolution; speciation.
The Rix Centre for Ocean Discoveries is a stunning landmark on the coast, built with the generous donation from Dr. Donald B. Rix. This impressive facility, with its scalloped roof, floor-to-ceiling windows and warm wood finish, combines flexible meeting space with a breathtaking ocean view.
Left to right: Sharon Johnston, David Johnston, Cliff Haylock, Shirley Pakula.
Humpback whale lunge-feeding in Bamfield Inlet distracts guests at Visitor’s Day.
BMSC receives its first NSERC Promoscience grant, now its longest running grant, and one of its largest, enabling the famously successful Field Trip Program.
