About Us
Who We Are
Under the National Research Infrastructure (NRI) scheme, the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML), Singapore’s only offshore marine research facility, is now open to ALL marine science researchers.
The marine lab at St. John’s Island is managed by the National University of Singapore (NUS). The marine laboratory first opened on 3 October 2002 as a research facility of the Tropical Marine Science Institute, NUS. The facility was designated as a National Research Infrastructure on 28 March 2016. Operations as an NRI commenced on 1 June 2016, with facilities opened to all researchers commencing 22 August 2016. SJINML was officially launched on 28 November 2016 by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, Chairman of the National Research Foundation, Singapore. For more information about the National Research Foundation, please click here.
The marine laboratory is strategically located next to the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, Singapore’s first marine nature park. The high quality seawater pumped into aquaria at SJINML provides unique opportunities for high impact research in marine science.
OUR LOGO
Circle – representing a globe, the Earth; capturing SJINML’s focus on environmental sustainability.
Wave & Blue Colour Shades – representative of the marine environment, from deep sea to shallow waters; to emphasise SJINML’s focus on marine science research.
Pair Of Fishes – symbolic of SJINML’s motto to achieve new heights in research excellence through partnerships.
Mission
Focal Point for Marine Science Research
Singapore is strategically located at the crossroads between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Its unique position in the tropical South China Sea offers unprecedented opportunities for rapidly advancing research discoveries in tropical marine science, to secure Singapore’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry and strengthen Singapore’s blue economy in the long term.
As one of the busiest transhipment hubs in the world, Singapore is seamlessly connected to over 600 ports in 120 countries. This connectivity presents challenges for human health and marine environment management.
The mission of SJINML as an NRI is to serve as a national resource and focal point for marine science expertise, supporting marine science research that meets our strategic national needs for the future.
Management
Our Dedicated Team
NUS, as the host institution and facility owner, is responsible for the primary management of SJINML and its facilities. SJINML is managed by TMSI on behalf of the NUS Office of the Deputy President (Research and Technology).
The Facility Governing Board of SJINML, appointed by NRF, guides the strategic development and business plan of the Facility and directs changes where necessary to ensure the Facility achieves its strategic goals. The Board has oversight of financial governance and access policies of the Facility. It will review and approve the equitable access and charging policies to foster external usage and collaboration.
The Facility Director is responsible for day-to-day management of SJINML. The Facility Director is supported by programme personnel overseeing: Administration, Facilities Management, Laboratory Management and Research. Research Personnel form the user base and main body of the Facility that sustains the scientific mission and research continuity at SJINML.
AIMS
As a National Research Infrastructure
As an NRI, SJINML aims to:
1. Enhance the quality of national marine science research by facilitating multi-disciplinary research interactions through provisions of quality access to research expertise, facilities and specialist training support;
2. Conduct research that supports national agencies for projects of strategic significance;
3. Increase high-impact research outputs in sustainability research;
4. Catalyse collaborations that enhance strategic national and international research programs; and
5. Implement manpower training programs to support future national needs in marine science.
