Our history

Photo: Students in the laboratory, circa 1970.
Photo: Students in the laboratory, circa 1970.

Scientific breakthroughs, fire and a NASA space mission – the history of Heron Island Research Station is almost as rich as the biodiversity that surrounds it.

Connection to Sea Country

Heron Island is located in the Sea Country and is about 6000 years old. The Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, Bailai and Taribelang Bunda peoples are the traditional custodians of the Sea Country around the island. Evidence of Great Barrier Reef Sea Country connections dates to more than 60,000 years. Today, Traditional Owners, government bodies and universities, including UQ, work together to conserve biodiversity, enhance the reef’s resilience, and ensure that cultural heritage and connections to Country endure. When you visit Heron Island and its reefs, consider that you’re travelling through Sea Country that has spiritual importance.


Breaking new ground

1840s–1930s: Early days
Heron Island was named by Europeans in 1843, after the herons that flocked to the small coral cay. Settlers barely returned until a short-lived turtle soup cannery was established in the 1920s. Denmark-born Captain Christian Poulsen took over the factory lease in the early 1930s and converted the building into a holiday resort. Researchers and educational groups used the resort facilities over the coming decade, with the island declared a national park in 1943. Photo: A coral boring expedition, 1937.
1940s: A leading advocate
Shortly after World War II, researchers and students returned to the island, including the first undergraduate group from UQ, led by Professor Ernest Goddard. A leading advocate for establishing a marine biology research station on the Great Barrier Reef, he visited the island for years to conduct research and was instrumental in creating what would become Heron Island Research Station. Sadly, Professor Goddard died on the island on the eve of his retirement. Photo: Professor Goddard, left, with Lee Douglas, 1936.
1950s: A first for women
In 1950, UQ geologist and palaeontologist Professor Dorothy Hill took the reins to oversee construction of a research building. The first female professor at any Australian university, she was determined to break new ground. Professor Hill sourced building materials and convinced local skippers to transport equipment to the island. She was Secretary of the Great Barrier Reef Committee, which managed the project, and was later named President of the Australian Academy of Sciences. Photo: Professor Hill with a field party.



Associate Professor Ian Lawn examines scientific equipment in a laboratory

1960s–1990s: Research diversifies

During this time, Heron Island became a hub for biological, ecological, geological, chemical and anthropological research – some multi-decadal – on both the reef and cay. The station was frequented by luminaries of Australian and international coral reef science, and home to many groundbreaking studies that yielded influential papers and books. In 1970, UQ officially became the facility’s operational partner, and in 1980 took ownership of it. A raft of marine field courses run by UQ and other universities followed, many which continue today. Photo: Former station Director Associate Professor Ian Lawn in the laboratory, 1986.

Expansion and innovation

Early 2000s: Fire and rebuilding
In March 2007, the station was devastated by fire. A research building, housing nine research laboratories, a library, darkroom, computer room and aquarium facilities, was destroyed, along with the student accommodation block and teaching laboratory complex. During two years of reconstruction, researchers and educational groups continued to visit the station, undaunted by the semi-permanent tents and building activity. New buildings were opened in 2009, and featured separate research and teaching facilities, as well as scientific equipment rarely found outside large mainland laboratories.
2000s–today: Fundamental advances
As the oldest and largest marine research station on the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island Research Station leads fundamental advances in scientific research and interactive teaching. Our modern facilities are critical to long-term international studies in ecology and behaviour, and uncovering the principal rules governing nature, whether geological, biological or chemical. Research areas span from reef resilience to the impacts of climate change to bioinnovative solutions for tackling pressing global challenges. The station now accommodates 140 visitors who can engage in world-class research and education.



A bright legacy

Heron Island Research Station’s bright legacy in research and education continues to burn bright, and its surrounding beauty and biodiversity is being showcased to the universe. At the time of writing, around 18.8 billion kilometres from Earth, NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft is flying through space, with an image of Heron Island on board. The image is included in the Voyager Golden Record, which contains photos that portray the diversity of life on Earth and are intended for intelligent extra-terrestrial life forms that may find them.

Photo gallery

See some images that show our growth through the decades. Select each image for a larger view.

  • Dr Marks stands in shallow water next to some pipes
    Dr E. O. Marks at work, 1937.
  • Scientists unload coral blocks from a barge
    Excavating coral, 1940s.
  • A researcher sits on a bed in a room
    Accommodation 1950s style.
  • A researcher exits a beach hut on sand
    A 1960s beach hut.
  • Researchers crouch over shallow water on the reef flat
    Coral reef researchers, 1970.
  • Dr and Mrs Lowry inspect specimens on a table
    Dr Lowry and Mrs J. Lowry at work, 1986.
  • Three researchers tag a reef shark on the sand
    Michelle Heupel, Dr Mike Bennett and Tracey Turner tagging reef sharks, 1998.
  • Professors Bernard and Sandie Degnan stand with Sir David Attenborough
    Professors Bernard and Sandie Degnan with Sir David Attenborough during filming, 2009.
  • An artist's impression of Voyager 1 and the Golden Record
    Voyager 1 and the Golden Record.

Image credits: UQ Archives; UQ Fryer Library; NASA/JPL-Caltech