Page 44: of Marine Technology Magazine (October 2014)

Can you share with MTR the history of why you are located here in the San Diego area? The story of Scripps Institution of Oceanography started early in the 20th century when UC Berkeley biolo- gist William Ritter visited San Diego and connected with the Scripps family, which supported a vision of creating a scien- tiÞ c hub that would investigate the ocean and life in it. Their collective hope was that these investigations would eventually add knowledge of great value to the world. This collaboration kick-started an era of exploration and discovery that continues today. Scripps has become one of the most important educa- tion and research centers for understanding and protecting the planet and its researchers travel to all corners of the earth and oceans. But although ScrippsÕs research is global, its roots re- main local and intricately connected with the San Diego mari- time industry and Òblue economy.Ó So speciÞ cally, what are some of the advantag- es that you have by being located here? Scripps is in a perfect position in San Diego, not only by being part of UC San Diego in La Jolla, but through our ability to foster close links to the Navy, scientiÞ c collabora- tions with the OfÞ ce of Naval Research and NOAAÕs South- west Fisheries Science Center, and maritime businesses. The Scripps Nimitz Marine Facility, based in the heart of the mari- time community in Point Loma, is home to our four research Inside San Diego?s Blue Tech Economy Inside San Diego?s Blue Tech Economy Margaret Leinen, Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, shares her insights with MTR regarding the inter- nationally regarded institution and it?s Southern California roots. October 201444 MTRMTR #8 (34-49).indd 44MTR #8 (34-49).indd 4410/10/2014 11:26:43 AM10/10/2014 11:26:43 AM