National Oceanography Centre

The National Oceanography Centre is a marine science organisation that deepens understanding of the ocean through research, technology development, data, and scientific advice. Its work spans the coast to the deep ocean and is organised around major themes including climate, biodiversity, hazards and pollution, sustainable marine economy, marine technology, and digital science and data. The centre turns world-class science into practical solutions by tracking ocean health, protecting marine ecosystems, supporting coastal communities, and promoting sustainable use of ocean resources. It works on issues such as ocean circulation, climate change, sea level rise, marine heatwaves, biodiversity loss, natural hazards, marine pollution, and the effects of ocean change on society and infrastructure. A distinctive part of its role is long-term marine science capability, built on major facilities, sustained ocean observing, mapping and survey work, data management, and the development of advanced tools and technology for autonomous, adaptive, and persistent observations. NOC carries out modelling work, including regional and coastal modelling, global modelling, applied modelling, and biogeochemical modelling, along with digital approaches such as artificial intelligence and digital twins. It supports research into ocean processes and change, collects and studies samples, studies species and ecosystems, and monitors, maps, and manages marine environments. The centre serves the wider research and policy community through data services and products, the British Oceanographic Data Centre, the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level, the Global Sea Level Observing System, and the National Tidal and Sea Level Facility. It has an international role and works in partnership across the UK and internationally to translate research and technology into trusted knowledge for evidence-based decision making and policy. Its ships are available for hire to institutions and businesses, and it supports public benefit through scientific evidence, hazard assessment, ocean governance, regulation, and sustainable development. Alongside research, the centre engages the public through learning resources, open days, podcasts, and other educational content about the ocean.