Sydney Harbour Week Awards 2008

Professor Frank Talbot

The man behind Sydney’s first marine biology institute was honoured for his long commitment and contribution to Sydney Harbour recently.

Professor Frank Talbot was presented with the most prestigious Sydney Harbour Week Award - for Lifetime Achievement – aboard the Tall Ship James Craig in March.

The awards, hosted and supported by NSW Maritime, recognise those who encourage the caring and sharing of Sydney Harbour by informing, educating or engaging the community.

Professor Talbot worked tirelessly to establish the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) at Chowder Bay.

The not-for-profit SIMS provides and promotes collaboration and research in urban marine ecology. Its facilities – including laboratories, lecture theatres, and conference/meeting facilities – are available to universities and government agencies, including 48 scientists and their students.

Numerous PhD projects are currently being worked on at SIMS, including a study into the mysterious mourning cuttlefish, found in many Sydney Harbour locations.

SIMS facilities are helping us retain some of our best qualified marine biologists in Sydney, enabling them to study and work at their ‘front door’ rather than losing them to the likes of the Great Barrier Reef.

Indigenous Performers

Professor Talbot has been tenacious in his efforts to create a haven for marine biologists and their work on Sydney Harbour. The institute has been well received by the marine science community since opening last year.

Although officially retired, Professor Talbot still devotes a good deal of his time to SIMS, its operations and funding as the Honorary Chair of the SIMS Board.

Members of the public are invited to tour the SIMS facility at 10am on the first Friday of each month.