Strategic Plan
Executive Summary

Like the OSU administration and many other units of the university, the Hatfield Marine Science Center has been engaged in developing a strategic plan to envision its future.  This document reflects the contributions of a diverse group of stakeholders, representing various academic and research interests on OSU’s main campus, HMSC’s partner research agencies, and communities of interest.

The Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) enters its 5th decade with a strong vision for the future, as Oregon State University’s campus for research, education and outreach in marine and coastal sciences.  Complementing and reinforcing OSU’s commitment to serve the people of Oregon as one of America’s Top 10 Land-Grant universities, the HMSC aspires to become one of the nation’s leading marine laboratories, known internationally for advancing knowledge through interdisciplinary and collaborative research partnerships among academia, government agencies, industries, and communities.

Members of the HMSC work by a strongly shared set of beliefs.  We value stewardship of the marine environment, research excellence, collaborative partnerships, effective communication and engagement, and making a positive impact on the community. These are our core values, which serve as continuing guideposts for our research, teaching, community outreach and involvement.

HMSC is the essential coastal link needed to achieve the goals of Oregon State University’s strategic plan and its commitment to serve the people of Oregon and beyond, through research and education programs that address issues of high economic, scientific, and aesthetic value in marine and coastal systems.  HMSC will focus on three key themes in the OSU Strategic Plan – Advancing the arts and sciences, Understanding the earth and its resources, and Managing natural resources – with linkages to OSU’s nationally and internationally recognized research, teaching, and outreach programs in the marine sciences, oceanography, engineering, forestry, and science. 

The combination of location, physical setting, and multi-agency presence at HMSC creates a unique scientific and learning environment that will help position OSU for new national initiatives and priorities in marine and coastal science.   The breadth and depth of expertise in basic and applied sciences at HMSC create a place where vital research and contributions to the preservation and management of the global marine environment can take place. Intertwined with these strengths and assets are challenges which this plan addresses.

The unique missions, mandates, political forces, and funding requirements of each agency and OSU program at HMSC make long-term joint planning challenging.  There are also educational and administrative hurdles that are the result, in part, of HMSC’s distance from the Corvallis campus.  And like all OSU programs, funding issues impact the ability to offer programs, to maintain and upgrade facilities, to obtain the latest technology, and to serve all the communities of interest that have a stake in HMSC’s activities.   Echoing these challenges, the following strategic issues have emerged, highlighting both the needs and untapped potential of HMSC as a key resource and asset:
  • Preparing for National Initiatives in Marine and Coastal Science.  Our nation is developing a new ocean agenda based on an influential report from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, released in 2004.  HMSC can be a key contributor to the critical actions proposed, but will require improved, state-of-the-art facilities.  Together with the other coastal and marine programs of OSU, HMSC can help position Oregon to be a leader in responding to national ocean priorities.
  • Education.  Educational programs at HMSC serve diverse populations and needs, but current programs fail to realize opportunities.  This plan identifies new and compelling hands-on programs that will make OSU graduates more competitive, contribute to national workforce needs, and increase scientific literacy for youth and lifelong learners. 
  • Identity and Visibility.  Capitalizing on its signature strengths, HMSC must better define its identity and enhance its visibility, both within OSU and to external audiences. Higher visibility translates into increased funding opportunities in response to new national mandates and initiatives.
  • Partnerships in Marine and Coastal Science.  The collaboration of state and federal agencies, academic scientists, and maritime industries represents a defining characteristic of the HMSC and strengthens the ability of each to recognize and participate in new ocean initiatives.

Moving beyond the recognized strengths, assets, and challenges, a set of primary goals, strategies and actions are identified in this plan as key to achieving the HMSC vision.  Broadly defined, these goals address four fundamental priority areas:1) Educational Opportunities; 2) Research Excellence; 3) Partnerships and Infrastructure; and 4) Community Relationships and Interactions.  The goals, with their supporting strategies, follow:

Goal 1.  Create and expand opportunities for outstanding and compelling educational programs and a superior learning environment in marine and coastal science and resource management.
  • Develop opportunities for undergraduate courses at HMSC that enrich existing programs.
  • Increase opportunities for graduate studies at HMSC.
  • Develop leading national and international programs in informal education and extension-based outreach in coastal and marine science.
  • Create programs of continuing professional education for scientists, managers, practitioners, and educators.

Goal 2.  Create and promote excellence in research and scholarship in coastal and marine sciences.

  • Launch and guide innovative multi-disciplinary marine and coastal science research projects.
  • Increase synergy and research cooperation among OSU, HMSC, partner agencies and industry partners.
  • Identify and promote the visibility of signature strengths of HMSC research.

Goal 3.  Improve partnerships and facilities to enhance cooperation and success of OSU, partner agencies, and other stakeholders.
  • Develop effective multi-agency agreements and cooperation and attract additional marine and coastal agencies.     
  • Maintain and enhance resources, facilities and tools to support research, teaching, and outreach
  • Foster an intellectual and professional climate that is collegial and supportive of missions, people, and diversity of partner agencies/groups.

Goal 4.  Develop HMSC - community partnerships for integrated and collaborative marine resource science, management, education and research.
  • Promote understanding of utilization and sustainability of marine resources
  • Engage community leaders as educators in professional development
  • Involve community, industry, and NGOs in development of research directions and activities
  • Develop and maintain political, economic and social support for HMSC mission
This plan will require actions by the OSU administration to enable HMSC to achieve the ambitious goals outlined herein.  With new ocean initiatives at the national level, the outcomes anticipated from the plan will lead to new funding opportunities and accomplishments, including research results that inform public policy and have significant economic impact.

Signature educational and research programs will follow the needs and missions of OSU and the agencies that comprise the HMSC.  Fulfillment of this plan will elevate the visibility and reach of OSU’s marine and coastal programs while addressing national priorities for ocean and coastal management needs. 

Download HMSC Strategic Plan (in PDF format)