Our planet is a blue planet

The ocean covers the majority of Earth’s surface, regulating climate, absorbing carbon, and sustaining life on a global scale. Yet vast areas remain unexplored, and the ocean’s critical role is often underestimated.

Our 2025–2035 strategy sets out how we will lead the next decade of ocean science. It is built on a commitment to knowledge that is not only rigorous, but purposeful, accessible, and applied for the benefit of society and planetary health.

Read the strategy

Visit our strategy website

Our values

The purpose of the National Oceanography Centre is to gain a deeper knowledge of the ocean to address major challenges facing society and the natural world. We are uniquely placed, working with partners from around the world, to turn research and technological innovation into trusted knowledge for real action and solutions.
We focus on four ocean-related missions:

  • Climate

    Society can plan for, adapt to and mitigate against environmental change.

  • Biodiversity

    Marine biodiversity is protected and thriving.

  • Hazards and Pollution

    People, infrastructure and ecosystems are protected from hazards and pollution.

  • Sustainable Marine Economy

    Ensure development of marine-based economic activity is sustainable, whilst protecting the ocean’s future health.

 

Network Spotlight: Arctic Science and Innovation

The Arctic plays a fundamental role in the Earth’s climate system and its unique sea-ice environment and ecosystems provide resources and a way of life to indigenous and local Arctic communities. The Arctic, however, is rapidly changing, threatening our global climate, weather, and biodiversity.

Warming in the Arctic is occurring up to four times faster than the global average, driving rapid losses of sea ice, glaciers and permafrost. The Arctic could be sea ice free in the summer by the middle of this century. These changes have profound implications, not only for the local ecosystem and the health and livelihoods of the indigenous and local communities that call the Arctic home, but for every person on our planet.

NOC in the Arctic Brochure

Empowering Ocean Science for a Sustainable Future

To gain a deeper knowledge of the ocean, we must deliver world-leading science and deliver the capacity (including engineering, digital and laboratory) for ourselves and others to do that science.

It is not sufficient just to gain knowledge. We must also ensure that it is trusted, purposeful, accessible, and used for the benefit of society and planetary health. To achieve this means partnering across an increasing range of sectors, including research organisations and charities, nationally and internationally, beyond the natural sciences. Our strategy is formulated to deliver four major outcomes:

  • Deeper Knowledge of the Ocean

    We develop the capacity, for ourselves and for others, to deliver world-leading science that spans the spectrum from curiosity-driven to applied.

  • Value for Society

    We must ensure that the knowledge gained is used to the benefit of society and planetary health.

  • A Vibrant and Healthy Organisation

    We expect excellence in our science and impact activities, which is only possible if we are a vibrant and healthy organisation.

  • A Financially Resilient Organisation

    To ensure we are robust to changes in the funding landscape, and to maximise our potential, we must have a financially resilient organisation.

Advancing The Frontiers Of Research And Innovation

Discover our vision for a healthier, more resilient ocean. This strategy sets out the actions needed to protect marine ecosystems, drive innovation, and secure a sustainable future for everyone.