There are many hidden gems at UNCW and the crown jewel of them all is the CREST Marine Science Campus. It’s where important marine biotech and marine science research is happening and new ventures in these critical fields are growing.

Discover this gem for yourself and learn how marine assets and environmental challenges are driving new innovations and fostering entrepreneurial solutions in pharmaceuticals, aquaculture, coastal resiliency and more.

You’ve undoubtedly seen the sign on Masonboro Loop Road and the docks as you’ve cruised between Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach on the ICW — now take advantage of opportunities to visit and get involved. Did you miss this year’s Marine Science Open House, an annual event held on a Saturday in September? You haven’t lost out…yet. Take advantage of the opportunities coming up in October and November.

On the international front, UNCW will be hosting the Global Marine Science Summit, October 9-11, bringing together scientists, policy makers and industry leaders. This year’s theme is Advancing the Blue Economy: Innovation, Resiliency & Collaboration. The summit will focus on sharing experiences and developing solutions for global marine science issues and improving the economic climate of coastal regions.

Information from the summit will help resource managers and local, state, and federal agencies tasked with setting policies and funding the amelioration of negative impacts on coastal systems, while finding ways to improve and sustain coastal economies. The summit will provide a venue for promoting cooperative educational activities as well as individual faculty and staff research interactions.

Join us at the summit if your curiosity and interests are piqued by: innovations in marine science research; resource management in a changing world; aquaculture and mariculture global issues and solutions; marine biotechnology; translational science; or ocean observing technologies. And, if you’re concerned about the future of sustainable seafood, don’t miss my presentation on the innovations and investments in that important industry.

It’s not all work and no play at the summit. You can meet and network with industry leaders and our international guests at an Oyster Roast on Wednesday and an evening reception at the Historic Kenan House in downtown Wilmington on Thursday.

Can’t make it to the Summit? The Marine Science Campus is also home to the Bluefish Society, so check that out. Bluefish Society members are on the inside track for great lectures and opportunities to meet distinguished guests. They have advanced notice of and preferred seating at the Planet Ocean Seminar lectures — the next one is coming up on November 12. Membership is for you, if you’d like to personally meet and interact with the world-renowned scientists, government officials, and environmental experts featured at the Planet Ocean Seminars. You’ll also meet the UNCW scientists that you see in the news providing information and advice on issues that impact the environment locally, regionally, and nationally.  

Don’t let UNCW’s CREST campus be a hidden place at the end of Marvin K. Moss Lane — make it your new home for learning and exploring how you can get involved in the solutions to global challenges in the marine environment.   
 
Diane Durance, MPA, is director of UNC Wilmington's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). The CIE is a resource for the start-up and early-stage business community to help diversify the local economy with innovative solutions. For more information, visit www.uncw.edu/cie.