Science with impact

Find out how we're working with our partners to tackle Australia's greatest challenges through the collaborative research delivered by RV Investigator.

A researcher onboard RV Investigator stares out at the ocean ahead. Image: Frederique Olivier.

A researcher onboard RV Investigator stares out at the ocean ahead. Image: Frederique Olivier.

Research vessel (RV) Investigator is an advanced research platform with flexible capabilities to support oceanographic, geoscience, biological and atmospheric research. The vessel also delivers important education and training opportunities to develop Australia's future generations of marine researchers and experts. 

To mark our 8th year of vessel operations, we're shining a spotlight on the research delivered by RV Investigator since it was commissioned on 12 December 2014.

To mark the anniversary of commissioning, a blog and case study have been published for each of 4 scientific fields of study to showcase the variety of research delivered and some of our many research partners who were involved.

Join us as we dive into the research we deliver!

Atmospheric research

In this case study, we focus on the atmospheric research delivered using RV Investigator, and highlight its impact and benefit to the nation. The case study also dives deeper into the science behind our latest blog 'Cruising with Australia's storm chasing scientists'.

Case study - Atmospheric research

In this case study, we focus on the atmospheric research delivered using RV Investigator, and highlight its impact and benefit to the nation.

Blog - Cruising with Australia's storm chasing scientists

We join Australia's storm chasing scientists on RV Investigator and find out what research blows their hair back.

Biological research

In this case study, we focus on the biological research delivered using RV Investigator, and highlight its impact and benefit to the nation. The case study also dives deeper into the science behind our latest blog 'Biodiversity Club: the fight to name new species'.

Case study - Biological research

In this case study, we focus on the biological research delivered using RV Investigator, and highlight its impact and benefit to the nation.

Blog - Biodiversity Club: the fight to name new species

We step into the ring with scientists onboard RV Investigator who are punching out names for new marine species.

Geoscience research

In this case study, we focus on the geoscience research delivered using RV Investigator, and highlight its impact and benefit to the nation. The case study also dives deeper into the science behind our latest blog 'Getting sedimental about our oceans'.

Case study - Geoscience

In this case study, we focus on the geoscience research delivered using RV Investigator, and highlight its impact and benefit to the nation.

Blog - Getting sedimental about our oceans

Scientists using our research vessel Investigator are studying seafloor sediments to learn from the past so we can better predict our future.

Oceanographic research

In this case study, we focus on the oceanographic research delivered using RV Investigator, and highlight its impact and benefit to the nation. The case study also dives deeper into the science behind our latest blog 'The Sinking Dead'.

Case study - Oceanography

In this case study, we focus on the oceanographic research delivered using RV Investigator, and highlight its impact and benefit to the nation.

Blog - The Sinking Dead

Our oceans are teeming with life. And death. But far from a horror story, there’s no need to fear the sinking dead. Join RV Investigator as we follow the journey of carbon in the ocean.

RV Investigator is funded by the Australian Government for full year operations through the Granted Voyage Program. This makes available up to 300 research days each year for Australian researchers and their international collaborators to conduct excellent marine research for national benefit.