Founded in 1950 in the coastal city of Qingdao, the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) is China’s first ocean research institute. Bolstering marine science and technology is a national strategy to support China’s sustainable development goals, and IOCAS is leveraging its research strengths to drive multidisciplinary development in the field. During the 70-year anniversary of this research powerhouse, its director, Fan Wang, shares his vision and plans for a big science centre.