Scottish Association for Marine Science

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland’s largest and oldest independent marine science organisation, delivering marine science for a healthy and sustainable marine environment through research, education and engagement with society.

Based near Oban on the Scottish west coast, SAMS multi-and interdisciplinary research strengths focus on ocean systems (ocean currents, ecosystem function, Arctic seas); dynamic coasts (climate change, conservation, society and the sea) and blue economy (aquaculture, marine biotechnology; marine renewables). SAMS also hosts the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa and the Scottish Marine Robotics Facility.

As a founding partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands, SAMS trains over 200 full-time students, delivers a four-year undergraduate programme in marine science (with optional streams in Arctic Science and in Oceanography and Robotics); masters courses in algal biotechnology and in aquaculture; and host a graduate school for 30-40 PhD students.

The SAMS group employs over 165 regular staff and a number of seasonal staff on demand.

SAMS is a charitable organisation (009206) with a membership that elects the governing Board. It is also a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in Scotland (SC 009292) and delivers its commercial research via SAMS Enterprise, a subsidiary company.

SAMS is based at the heart of the European Marine Science Park that has been developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to grow the local economy.

Staffing figures provided for 2022