Leinen Scripps Institution of Oceanography – one of the premiere insti-tutions of ocean research and higher learning on the planet – is the hinge of the Southern California blue economy. MTR recently spent some time with Margaret Leinen, Vice Chancellor, Marine Sciences, UC San Diego, Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanog-raphy, for her insights on the path forward.By Greg TrauthweinI’m sure we can ? nd Scripps’ ‘vital stats’ online, but can missions in the past few years and our public Birch Aquarium you give a brief overview of the Institution that you run? at Scripps that welcomed nearly a half million visitors last year. I have to mention that Oceanology International has Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is a just recognized Scripps icon Walter Munk, the world-renown thriving center for ocean, earth and atmospheric science with oceanographer and geophysicist, with a special (Catch the more than 2,000 students, staff, researchers and volunteers. Wave) conference and we will be continuing that momentum In the 113 years we’ve been in existence, our education and with events and symposia in the months ahead as we celebrate research mission has grown with leading experts in diverse his 100th birthday in October.