The WA Museum aims to advance understanding of Western Australia’s rich biodiversity, heritage, and cultures. To fulfil this mission at the scale required, we rely on a diverse range of funding sources - including government, competitive research grants, philanthropic contributions, and corporate support.
As part of this work, the WA Museum has been carrying out original biodiversity research off the WA coast for 28 years, with financial support from Woodside. This research has contributed to and continues to contribute to a much better and deeper understanding of marine biodiversity.
Over that period the Museum has been able to survey over half-a-million square kilometres of the Indian Ocean, leading to the discovery of no less than 700 species of animals and plants previously unknown to science.
The extension of this research arrangement promises to provide more important information, reveal many more new species and, of course, help us better understand the health of our oceans.
The research is independently led and directed by the Museum scientists and specialists. Woodside neither directs the research, nor participates in it: the Museum retains all intellectual property generated, other than that vested in Traditional Owners. All research is conducted in accordance with rigorous scientific standards and all results published are peer-reviewed.
We believe that engaging constructively and transparently with industry allows the WA Museum to:
- Expand knowledge of WA’s unique ecosystems;
- Foster dialogue between sectors; and
- Ensure that decisions about environmental impact are informed by the best available science.
The WA Museum remains independent, science-led, and committed to the people and the environment of Western Australia.
