Hatfield Marine Science Center

Improving scientific understanding and applying that knowledge to
social, economic and environmental solutions.

Expanding our campus

The new 34,000-square-foot housing project is open for the Fall 2025 term, and we are now accepting applications. This facility is designed to accommodate students living and learning on the coast, as well as visiting professionals and staff studying or working at Hatfield. The complex was conceived as a response to the housing shortage in the Newport area, and it will ease a portion of the local housing demand.

There are 72 studio-style apartments and five two-bedroom family units in the complex, plus it is a quick walk from the Hatfield campus and is located outside of the tsunami zone. Learn more about this new space and other housing opportunities at Hatfield.

Apply for HMSC Housing Today

Historic Visit from the Western Flyer

Sunday, May 17 

Free vessel tours | 12 - 3:30 p.m.
Step aboard the historic Western Flyer. Located at Dock J - Recreational Marina, just north of the boat ramp. Free community event.

Film screenings - We simply liked it (22 min) | 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. | Hatfield Visitor Center 
A film about the Western Flyer's 2025 return to the Gulf of California. The film is free, but there is a $5 entrance fee to the Visitor Center during open hours.

Presentation + Film screening + Q&A | 4 - 5 p.m. Hatfield Visitor Center
Hear the story of the Western Flyer followed by a final screening of We Simply Liked It. No entrance free for after hours showing.

Additional event: A separate presentation will be held at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, Wednesday, May 20. Learn more about this remarkable vessel and its long journey.

On the Leading Edge

The Hatfield Marine Science Center is a distinguished marine laboratory located in Newport, Oregon.

Since 1965, Hatfield has been a hub for coastal research and serves as an oceanographic research base for six state and federal agencies. Hatfield is also home to Oregon State University’s Marine Operations which includes research vessels, marine tech and support services.

At Hatfield, we excel in student research opportunities and experiential instruction. We host a thriving summer internship program and offer an array of academic programs for students in K-12, plus community college through post-doc levels.

Events

News

Installation of rare blue whale skeleton gets underway at OSUs Hatfield Marine Science Center

NEWPORT, Ore. More than a decade after the body of a 70-foot blue whale washed up on the southern Oregon Coast, its skeleton will be installed in a permanent … Read full story

Oregon State University research enterprise tops $400M for second straight year

CORVALLIS, Ore. Despite a federal funding landscape that underwent rapid change, Oregon State University eclipsed the $400 million mark in research expenditures for the second consecutive year in fiscal … Read full story

New specialty license plate will support shark research at Oregon State University

NEWPORT, Ore. Vouchers are now on sale for a new specialty Oregon license plate that researchers hope will inspire people to think differently about the sharks living just off … Read full story

Drone footage provides new insight into gray whales acrobatic feeding behavior

NEWPORT, Ore. Drone footage captured by researchers in Oregon State Universitys Marine Mammal Institute is offering new insight into the acrobatics undertaken by gray whales foraging in the waters … Read full story

Researchers record first-ever images and data of a shark experiencing a boat strike

NEWPORT, Ore. Hours after tagging an endangered basking shark off the coast of Ireland in April, researchers captured what they believe is the first ever video of a shark … Read full story