Hancock Biological Station receives award
By MSU Public Relations | Nov 13, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University’s Hancock Biological Station received the 2026 Excellence in Science Education and Outreach Award by the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS). Murray State recently hosted the KAS Annual Meeting, which is an interdisciplinary professional environment that cultivates scientific discovery and understanding.
Located 16 miles from Murray on the shores of Kentucky Lake, the Hancock Biological Station (HBS) is a year-round facility with a mission of providing scientists with a base of operation for a wide variety of field research and presenting students and faculty with opportunities for field-oriented classes, individualized instruction and independent research. A diverse site of aquatic and terrestrial settings allows researchers and students to benefit from close interactions with researchers, laboratory facilities, field and lake sites, and a strong academic environment.
The HBS team fulfills its mission through technical expertise and the daily work of maintaining facilities, supporting field activities and helping students and faculty conduct research. Courses such as Field Botany, Dendrology, Ornithology, Wildlife Techniques, Reservoir Ecology, and Biological Inquiry and Analysis regularly rely on HBS facilities and staff support.
The HBS team has also extended its University and research-focused mission to create a hub for all ages (i.e., pre-K through seniors) to participate in field experiences, demonstrations, workshops, certification programs and community events. They connect children, teachers, naturalists and community members from the region and beyond with freshwater ecology, wildlife biology, environmental monitoring and stewardship of natural resources.
"We are honored and excited to receive this award! Outreach and education are core to our mission, and this recognition highlights a sustained team effort spanning many years. We are fortunate to build on a strong foundation, and on the passion and commitment of our students, staff, faculty and volunteers," HBS Director Dr. Michael Flinn said.
“Hancock Biological Station is an important asset for our college, providing us with many opportunities to connect with our local community through its work with K-12 schools and with the broader local community,” Interim Dean of the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology Dr. Maeve McCarthy said. “We congratulate the HBS team for their outstanding work and this well-deserved recognition.”
Individuals can follow HBS on Facebook at facebook.com/MSUHBS.