An internship programme launched to introduce young Bermudians to scientific fields celebrated 50 years of success.

The Bermuda Programme at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences has supported more than 320 research placements since it was launched in 1976.

Kaitlin Noyes, director of education and community engagement at ASU BIOS, said that the programme has created opportunities for local students to gain meaningful research experience and build professional skills.

She added: “Over the past 20 years alone, more than $750,000 has been awarded directly to students through stipends, made possible through the generous support of local companies, foundations and individual donors.

“That sustained investment speaks not only to the longevity of the programme, but to our community’s commitment to investing in Bermuda’s next generation.”

An ASU BIOS spokeswoman noted that programme alumni now lead research laboratories, guide environmental policies and contribute to organisations around the world.

Robbie Smith, senior curator at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo, was a part of the programme’s second cadre and has since mentored ten programme participants.

Mr Smith said: “It’s been rewarding to watch the Bermuda Programme grow from a small initiative at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research into a capstone of marine science training in Bermuda.

“Having had the opportunity to mentor many of its students over the years, I’ve seen first-hand how experiences like these can shape careers, build confidence and strengthen our island’s scientific community.

“I hope that future generations of budding young scientists continue to benefit from support for their spirit of curiosity, collaboration and discovery that has defined the Bermuda Programme for the past 50 years.”

Other alumni include Mark Guishard, ASU BIOS chief operating officer, Rachel Parsons, microbial ecology laboratory research specialist, Claire Fox, science education officer, Jessica Godfrey, research technician and laboratory operations co-ordinator and Shane Antonition, laboratory operations co-co-ordinator.

Mr Antonition said he was inspired by the passion shown by the researchers during his time in the programme.

He added: “The Bermuda Programme made me a better and more confident scientist for my academic career, which, in turn, improved my work quality and ethic every summer that I returned to the programme.”

Ms Fox, meanwhile, said: “For me, interning at ASU BIOS was a turning point in deciding to pursue a career in marine science, specifically in education.

“Now in this role, I get to provide similar opportunities for the next generation of Bermudian scientists, including this year's cohort of ten young researchers with a diverse array of interests and backgrounds.”