Our enduring mission is to ‘Make Sense of Changing Seas’
The National Oceanography Centre, existing in its various forms for over six decades, is one of the largest charities in the UK with an annual turnover of over £60 million and employs over 600 staff. It is one of the few research organisations globally that has the equipment and expertise to operate at full ocean depth.
We make sense of the changing seas, on which future human prosperity and wellbeing depend.
The NOC provides Facilities to the UK Marine Research Community
Advances in ocean science depend on measurements in the ocean. Satellite observations provide data for the surface layer of the ocean. To penetrate beyond the surface, scientists rely on in situ physical measurements from a range of platforms, including research ships, ocean observatories, moorings, and autonomous underwater and surface vehicles.
More about FacilitiesWorld leading innovative science and technology underpinning the ocean economy
The National Oceanography Centre is in a unique position of having world-leading multi-disciplinary scientific and technical expertise which can help unlock the economic and societal potential of the ocean across a range of industry sectors.
Working with BusinessA gift allows you to have a direct impact on world leading ocean research and innovation
More about givingIn the Spotlight
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Microplastics Research
Understanding the extent and implications of microplastic pollution on marine ecosystems health.
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RRS James Cook Virtual Tour
Explore one of the world’s most advanced research vessels from bridge to engine room.
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Oceanids
Our new innovative autonomous vehicles, sensors and software push the boundaries of ocean exploration (UK Govt. – Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund).
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‘Addressing marine ecosystems and food security’
A free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) available via Future Learn.
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The National Oceanography Centre statement on the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh
16 April 2021The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip had a...
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NOC extends 36-year climate change study in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean
26 March 2021The National Oceanography Centre’s (NOC) Royal Research Ship Discovery left Southampton, on 25 March 2021, for an expedition to the Porcupine...
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New fleet of advanced robotic floats to understand ocean health
23 March 2021The ocean plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, regulating our climate and providing us with living resources, such as food. A new fleet of...
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NOC partnership awarded funding to deliver enhanced marine autonomy in coastal waters
19 March 2021An ambitious new project being led by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) to improve the autonomy and perception of robotic underwater vehicles in...
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NOC supports Marine Autonomy Challenge
16 March 2021The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) announced this week the launch of their inaugural Marine Autonomy Challenge which aims to encourage young...
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Industry leaders to set standards for crew of tomorrow
16 March 2021Next-generation maritime training expert SeaBot XR is teaming up with the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Royal Navy, and other...
Latest Publications
See all Publications-
30-Second Oceans: 50 key ideas about the sea's importance to life on earth
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Progress in understanding of Indian Ocean circulation, variability, air-sea exchange and impacts on biogeochemistry
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Spatial and temporal variability of solar penetration depths in the Bay of Bengal and its impact on SST during the summer...
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RRS Discovery Cruise DY129, 8 December 2020 - 26 January 2021, RAPID cruise report for Cruise DY129