Institut Marin Borneo
Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Institut Marin Borneo (IMB) is a research institute of Universiti Malaysia Sabah dedicated to advancing aquaculture and marine science through research, innovation, education and collaboration.

Located in Sabah, within the Coral Triangle and one of the world's richest regions for marine biodiversity, IMB provides a unique platform for research across aquatic food production and tropical marine environments. Its research encompasses sustainable aquaculture, aquatic animal health and nutrition, seafood security and safety, oceanography, marine biodiversity and ecology, coral reefs and coastal ecosystems, fisheries, marine conservation and management, remote sensing, and related fields. Together, these areas contribute to a better understanding of aquatic and marine systems and support the sustainable use, production and management of their resources.

IMB's research is organised through two complementary research centres: the Aquaculture Research Centre, which develops knowledge, technologies and practices for sustainable aquaculture; and the Oceanography Research Centre, which advances understanding of the seas, marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. Together, the two centres connect fundamental and applied research across aquatic food production, marine environments and resources.

Beyond research, IMB contributes to postgraduate education and professional training, works with government, industry and research partners, and engages with communities to translate knowledge into practical applications. Through initiatives such as Rakan Akuakultur and the Coastal Connections Living Lab, IMB extends its research and expertise beyond the university through community and industry engagement, knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Research in marine science and aquaculture at Universiti Malaysia Sabah began in 1995 with the establishment of a specialised research unit, reflecting the importance of marine resources to Sabah and Malaysia.

In 2000, the unit was elevated to an institute and became the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI). Over the following decades, the institute expanded its research, infrastructure, postgraduate training and partnerships in aquaculture and marine science.

A major milestone was reached in March 2024, when BMRI was recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia as a Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE). The recognition marked an important step in the institute's development and strengthened its role as a centre for research excellence in aquaculture.

On 28 January 2026, BMRI became Institut Marin Borneo (IMB), marking a new phase in its development with the establishment of the Aquaculture Research Centre and Oceanography Research Centre.

Building on more than three decades of aquaculture and marine research at UMS, IMB continues to advance scientific knowledge, strengthen research capacity and connect research and innovation with sustainable resource use and the needs of society.