SWIMS Turns 35: Celebrating a Legacy of Marine Science and Conservation

Nestled along the shores of the Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve, SWIMS has grown from its founding in 1990 by Professor Brian MORTON as the Swire Marine Laboratory into an interdisciplinary hub for coastal and marine research.

 

 Today, it brings together researchers from Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, and Earth and Planetary Sciences, alongside more than 50 PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. Over three decades, SWIMS has trained generations of scientists now working across academia, government, NGOs, and industry in Hong Kong and beyond. 

 

Its 35^th anniversary gala on 23 October brought together current and former members in a warm, collegial setting. More than 100 current and former members gathered, joined by University leaders and long-standing supporters, including Vice-Presidents and Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Peng GONG and Professor Jay SIEGEL, Dean of Science Professor Qiang ZHOU, then Associate Vice-President Professor Pauline CHIU, the Chair of Swire Group Philanthropy Council Mr Richard SELL, and Director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Mr Mickey Kin-ming LAI.

 

Speakers reflected not only on scientific achievements, but on culture and continuity. Dean Zhou described SWIMS as the Faculty’s “crown jewel,” where hands-on experience and regional relevance meet. Professor Siegel spoke of the ocean as a unifying force. Professor Gong highlighted Swire’s century-long partnership with HKU, announcing the establishment of the Swire Professorship in Marine Conservation to strengthen conservation efforts in the Greater Bay Area. Mr Richard Sell, Chair of the Swire Group Philanthropy Council, reaffirmed Swire’s long-term commitment to SWIMS’ growing regional and global impact, and SWIMS Interim Director Professor David BAKER outlined a forward-looking vision focused on research excellence, education, and partnerships.

Alumni voices gave the evening its emotional weight. Dr Siu-fai LEUNG, one of SWIMS’ earliest graduates and a former AFCD Director, described the institute as a “big family” he is always drawn back to. Professor Daniel PAULY of the University of British Columbia, a world-renowned fisheries scientist and current guest lecturer in SWIMS’ Master’s programme, spoke simply of his wish to return, noting that it is a pleasure to work at SWIMS. For many in the room, SWIMS was not just a workplace but a formative chapter of their lives.

 

As SWIMS embarks on its next chapter, former Director Professor Gray WILLIAMS reminded the SWIMS family of their mission: to harness new technologies and ideas to conserve Hong Kong's marine environment.