A fundraising drive for an education fund at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences has almost reached the $1 million mark.

The Degroote Bermudian Alumni Dalhousie/BIOS Fund is dedicated to providing research and study opportunities at BIOS for students and faculty of Canada’s Dalhousie University.

The campaign has raised $900,000 for student internships and faculty exchanges, according to BIOS spokeswoman Tiffany Wardman.

BIOS president Bill Curry said the organisation welcomed Dalhousie students for their “unique experience living at a scientific research institution, and working alongside world-class scientists on state-of-the-art research projects”.

The Degroote family provided an initial $500,000 for the fund. According to Dalhousie vice president Floyd Dykeman the remainder came from Dalhousie alumni, private corporations, and supporters of oceans research.

“The partnership with BIOS strengthens ties between the two leading oceans research and education institutions,” Mr Dykeman said. “It also helps prepare our future leaders in oceans research.”