Virginia Institute of Marine Science

VIMS is unique among marine science institutions in its [legal mandate](http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+28.2-1100) to provide research, education, and advisory service to government, citizens, and industry. Graduate students in William & Mary's [School of Marine Science](https://www.vims.edu/academics/graduate/index.php) at VIMS have an unparalleled opportunity to conduct research that matters. Research at VIMS extends from inland watersheds to the open ocean, with an emphasis on coastal and estuarine science. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has a three-part mission of research, education, and advisory service. Our over-arching goals are to - Make seminal advances in understanding marine systems through research and discovery, - Translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and - Provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with a marine-science education of unsurpassed quality. To meet our mission, the people of VIMS - Address cutting-edge scientific questions, - Develop and apply technologically advanced approaches, - Communicate research results and new technologies to both professional and public audiences, - Consult with and guide decision-makers as they apply new knowledge to practical problems, and - Train future generations of young scientists to continue this tradition.