Shaping the Future of Marine Research Together.
Our Vision
The Pacific Rim Initiative for Sustainable Marine Systems (PRISMS) is an interdisciplinary research network rooted in Western Canada, yet of national and global importance, advancing innovative and sustainable solutions that strengthen the economic resilience, health, and security of our oceans.
Our Mission
To bring together leading researchers and experts from engineering, science, and social science to advance marine research that addresses the most pressing challenges facing our oceans — today and into the future.
Our Work
The initiative fosters partnerships between researchers at the University of British Columbia, as well as scholars from outside universities within the Pacific Marine Science Alliance including Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, the University of Alberta, and the University of Calgary; alongside representatives from industry, government, and coastal communities — including First Nations. Together, we develop and apply interdisciplinary research to create solutions that support healthy, secure, and economically resilient oceans.
Through these partnerships, PRISMS focuses on three interconnected thematic research areas:
Our Goal
We are working to transform this interdisciplinary research network into a dedicated research institute. Our ultimate goal is to build a world-class Pacific Rim Institute for Sustainable Marine Systems based in Western Canada.