Much of the discussion during this celebration of Phillip Law's lifetime of achievement concerns the history of organizations well established, but my topic is more about history still in the making. The Victorian Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) is the youngest of Phillip Law's legacies, and it is still consolidating its structure and its unique modus operandi. The reasons I was asked to speak on the topic of a 'consortium approach' are not only that it is an integral part of the way my organization operates, but also that VIMS remains exceptional, in Australia, as an exponent of this approach to research, development and education. It is curious that this is the case and I will, in describing how we have done it, consider some of the reasons why there are not a great many other successful consortia. I will also trace some of the recent history of VIMS, and take the opportunity to focus on VIMS' particular role within the consortium of organizations.

Royal Society of Victoria