As a postgraduate student participating in the first of two CAPSTAN voyages in 2026 aboard RV Investigator, I experienced firsthand how Australia’s Marine National Facility enables both impactful science and the development of a nationally connected marine workforce. For many of us, this was not just training. It was our first opportunity to contribute to real, multidisciplinary research at sea.
Relaunched in 2025, CAPSTAN represents a renewed national commitment to vessel-based training, building on a legacy of previous voyages that have helped shape early-career scientists who are now contributing across academia, government, and industry. The program leverages MNF infrastructure to deliver hands-on experience across oceanography, geoscience, biology, and hydrochemistry in a fully operational research environment.
During the voyage, we conducted repeat sampling in the Bremer Canyon, investigated offshore drivers of harmful algal blooms in South Australia, and contributed to underwater cultural heritage surveys using advanced instrumentation provided by the MNF. These activities directly support national priorities, from ecosystem health to environmental risk.
For students like myself, the impact was profound. CAPSTAN accelerates the transition from classroom learning to real-world science, builds confidence at sea, and fosters national collaboration. It is a career and life changing experience that highlights why early access to research infrastructure is essential for developing Australia’s future marine leaders.