The Rotary Club of Hamilton, Bermuda continues to shine as a leader in promoting education, environmental awareness, and meaningful dialogue within District 7230. The club was recently featured in The Royal Gazette for hosting an impactful luncheon with Dr. Craig Carlson, President and CEO of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS). This event exemplifies Rotary’s commitment to fostering informed communities and supporting initiatives that address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
During the luncheon, Dr. Carlson provided attendees with an in-depth look at BIOS’s critical work in ocean monitoring, climate research, and the study of microbial processes that shape marine ecosystems. He discussed the institute’s unique position in Bermuda, an ideal location for long-term oceanographic studies, and shared how BIOS has built decades long datasets that allow scientists to track changes in ocean chemistry and temperature dating as far back as the 1950s.
Dr. Carlson also spoke candidly about the financial landscape for scientific research in the United States. He noted that while the federal government has adopted a more “down-focused” approach to science funding, BIOS has continued to navigate these challenges through creativity, strong partnerships, and support from philanthropic organizations such as the Simons Foundation International. He highlighted that agencies like NASA, the National Science Foundation, and NOAA remain deeply aware of BIOS’s value and have forward-funded the institute through 2027 to help maintain stability during these uncertain times.
In addition, Dr. Carlson emphasized the critical role of microbial oceanography, one of BIOS’s specialties, and explained how studying micro-organisms offers insights into both biological and chemical processes of the ocean. This research has positioned BIOS as a global hub for scientists seeking to deepen understanding of how the ocean absorbs heat and carbon dioxide, and how those processes influence climate trends over time.
The event also welcomed visiting Rotarian Scott Bleecker from the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston in Ontario, Canada, who highlighted the shared values between the two clubs: service, youth engagement, environmental care, and international friendship. His remarks underscored how Rotary’s global network continues to inspire collaboration across borders.