2007-2008

News Release

REF NO.: 210

SUBJECT: Explorer Dr. Robert Ballard to open new Immersion Presents Theatre at the Fisheries and Marine Institute

DATE: June 11, 2008

Notes to Editors:
 
            Dr. Robert Ballard, known for discovering the Titanic among other scientific breakthroughs, will be on hand at a news conference at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University to officially open the institute’s new Immersion Presents Theatre. The conference will take place in rooms C3204 and C3206 at the Marine Institute on Friday, June 13, 2008, at 12 p.m. The media are invited to attend.
            Immersion presents, a cutting-edge, interactive educational program led by Dr. Ballard and a team of scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other institutions, uses telepresence technology – a combination of satellite and Internet connections – to transport young people live from the Marine Institute to scientific expeditions. The new theatre, the first of its kind in Canada, will allow students, educators and researchers to participate in Dr. Ballard and the University of Rhode Island’s future ocean expeditions live and to be a part of the broader community participating in these ventures. The theatre will also be used in the School of Ocean Technology’s ROV training programs.  
            Trevor Taylor, provincial minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, Dr. Eddy Campbell, president and vice-chancellor, Memorial University and Glenn Blackwood, executive director, Marine Institute will also be on hand to mark the occasion.
            Following the news conference, head table guests and the media will be invited to tour the theatre.
            Media interviews with Dr. Ballard can also be arranged following the Marine Institute’s Graduation Ceremony in the gymnasium at about 3:30 p.m.

- 30 -