Oceanography is a science of profound importance in the 21st century. The ocean has significant implications on national security and people’s long-term development, the construction of 'marine power' has become a major development strategy of the world wide coastal countries. Major scientific problems such as global warming, climate change, and the origin of life, depends on the progress of the marine scientific research. New developments endow us new historical missions.

Developed over the course of more than 60 years by generations of devoted and diligent scientists, the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) has become a center of discovery and innovation in oceanography. IOCAS has made a number of fundamental advancements in both academic research and industrial application, including opening up new research fields, vindicating marine regulations for the benefit of our country, exploring marine resources, preventing natural marine disasters, protecting marine ecological systems and environments, developing sustainable marine economy, and advancing social civilization. IOCAS has obtained a large number of basic and pioneering scientific achievements, which laid the foundation for the development of China's marine science, and also provide scientific information for Marine military, Shipping, Fisheries, Engineering, and other departments; while fostering a group of Influential scientists in marine science, improving our marine scientific and technological innovation capability and industrial capacity, providing a strong support to ensure the country's economic growth and social development.

IOCAS is one of Class A level outstanding research Institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and "Innovation 2020" program merit-based Institute, showing a good momentum of development. The next five years, institute will focus on the “one positioning, three breakthroughs, five important fostering directions” project ( the “one, three, five” project for short ) development goals, is committed to a comprehensive marine science basic research and technology research, based on the theoretical innovation and key technology’s cross-system integration on offshore environmental change and sustainable use of biological resources, and expand the pilot study to explore deep-sea environment and strategic resources. IOCAS plays an irreplaceable lead role in the field of marine science and technology in China, is becoming a significant of marine science and technology research institution with great international influence.

Looking back, full of pride; Looking to the future, brimming with confidence. Whether what has been achieved in the past or to seek new development in the future cannot be separated from the care and kindness of all sectors of the community. Here, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all sectors of the community and international friends for long-standing support and assistance to the innovation and development of IOCAS.