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[Image changes to show Toni Moate talking to the camera, and the CSIRO logo and text appears: CSIRO Director of the Marine National Facility]
Toni Moate: Hello, I’m Toni Moate, CSIRO’s Director of Marine National Facility, which is supported by the Australian Government and operated by CSIRO on behalf of the nation. As Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO is working to solve the greatest challenges through innovative research and technology. That means we collaborate with our partners and together we turn science into solutions.
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The RV Investigator is key to us achieving that objective.
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Our 94m ocean research vessel Investigator takes scientists around Australia’s coastline and ocean territories so they can deliver incredible results and impact.
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On top of this valuable research our voyages can also deliver important education and training opportunities which develop Australia’s future generations of marine researchers and experts. We’re now calling on Australian researchers and their international collaborators to apply for grants of sea time with the Marine National Facility to study oceanographic, geoscience, biological and atmospheric research on RV Investigator in 2025/26. I’ll now hand over to Matt who’s going to provide some key information on the process.
[Image changes to show Matt Kimber talking to the camera, and text appears: Matt Kimber, CSIRO Engagement and Risk, Marine National Facility]
Matt Kimber: Hello, I’m Matt Kimber, the CSIRO Engagement and Risk Group Leader at the Marine National Facility.
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As Toni mentioned we’re pleased to open the MNF’s primary application call for grants of sea time on RV Investigator for the 25/26 financial year period.
[Image changes to show Matt talking to the camera, and then the image changes to show scientists in the Operations Room of the ship looking at computers]
Applications received through the primary application call help us build the primary voyage schedule two years in advance of the available period. We’re looking for proposals that demonstrate quality research as well as a strong alignment with the means of end users.
[Images move through of a close view of four researchers looking at computer screens, a group of researchers looking at computers, and then Matt talking to the camera, and text appears: MNF.csiro.au]
Before getting started we’d recommend applicants become familiar with the guidance documents available on our website, MNF.csiro.au. Here you’ll find tips for sending a strong application and details of the five streams of access available. All applications for sea time are submitted through our online Marine Application and Planning System or MAPS. So, please familiarise yourself with the process of registering and navigating the system. You can even get an early start on your planning. The application call closes on Sunday 21st May 2023 with applications undergoing a competitive review and assessment process by independent committees. Successful applicants will be announced later in 2023.
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Following this an application call for some humanity projects may commence.
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I’d encourage interested Australian researchers and institutions to read the material on MNF.csiro.au and to consider applying for a grant of sea time on RV Investigator.
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If applicants have questions or need support in navigating the MAPS process please reach out to our team by emailing MNF@csiro.au. Thank you for taking the time to consider applying. We’re looking forward to welcoming strong applications.
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