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One hundred years ago the Discovery – built in Dundee in 1901 for Captain Scott’s first Antarctic voyage – was designated a Royal Research Ship; the first of its kind.
To celebrate this centenary a programme of events will take place in Dundee at both Discovery Point – Dundee Heritage Trust, home to the original Royal Research Ship Discovery, and on the current RRS Discovery, operated by NOC to undertake modern-day oceanography and marine science around the world. An exhibition based at Discovery Point will open on 12th September, and entry Discovery Point and all events associated with the 12th-16th September 2025 programme – including tours, talks and ocean engagement – will be free of charge.
Professor John Siddorn, Chief Executive of the National Oceanography Centre, said “We are very excited to be coming back to Dundee and to bring modern ocean science and technology to life for everyone. Our scientists, engineers and technologists love these opportunities to demonstrate how the ocean impacts us all, and all of the incredible career options that are possible.”
To find out more about the event and exhibition please visit the Dundee Heritage Trust website. Keep an eye on our social channels for daily updates during the September Celebrations!
Special Exhibition: 100 Years of RRS Discovery
A brand-new exhibition, titled ‘100 Year of RRS Discovery’, opens at Discovery Point in Dundee on the 13th September 2025 as part of our wider celebration of the 100th anniversary of RRS Discovery’s first scientific voyage. The exhibition celebrates a century of exploration and innovation embodied by these iconic research ships, and the people on board who continue to push the boundaries of ocean science.
Visit the exhibition page here.
Collaborating Organisations
100 Years of RRS Discovery is a collective endeavour bringing together many organisations, communities and individuals who made our 12-16 September 2025 Dundee showcase possible. We are grateful to everyone who contributed, and would like to extend our special thanks to:
Dundee Heritage Trust is the independent charity registered in 1985 that cares for the Royal Research Ship Discovery, two Recognised Collections of National Significance, and operates top-rated visitor attractions Discovery Point and Verdant Works Museum in Dundee. Discovery Point is home to the RRS Discovery, along with over 12 interactive galleries showcasing 100+ Polar objects and the Discovery Dome; with British artist Luke Jerram’s ‘Gaia’ installation. RRS Discovery was built in Dundee in 1901 for Captain Scott’s first Antarctic expedition.
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is the driving force of investment in environmental science in the UK. We advance the frontier of environmental science by commissioning new research, infrastructure and training that delivers valuable scientific breakthroughs. NERC invests public money in world-leading science, designed to help us sustain and benefit from our natural resources, predict and respond to natural hazards and understand environmental change.
The University of Southampton is a research-intensive university and founding member of the Russell Group. Based at the University’s Waterfront Campus, The National Oceanographic Library, based at the University’s Waterfront Campus, is one of Europe’s largest marine science libraries and home to the UK’s largest collection of marine and oceanographic literature, some of which dates back as far as the 1770s. The University’s Ocean and Earth science course gives student the opportunity to working alongside researchers and academics exploring today’s toughest challenges in fields like marine biochemistry, physical oceanography and ecology.
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland’s largest and oldest independent marine science organisation, delivering marine science for a productive and sustainably managed marine environment through innovative research, education and engagement with society. Based near Oban on the Scottish west coast, our marine research and teaching portfolio is diverse in topic and discipline, global in outlook, project locations and relevance, and delivered by a SAMS team with can-do attitude working in partnership with academic, business, government, regulatory, voluntary and civic society colleagues.
Formed in 2009, the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS) is a community of organisations engaged in marine science. MASTS members include Higher Education Institutions, Government bodies and a private charity. MASTS operates within a broad research landscape, ranging from fundamental science to applied research, designed to underpin policy, regulation, and industry. MASTS facilitates interdisciplinary cooperation, collaboration, and communication, and through their Graduate School, is also responsible for training our next generation of marine science leaders and researchers.
Dynamic Earth is the UK’s only science centre dedicated to Earth and environmental science, telling the story of our planet from the Big Bang to the present day. With global challenges like the climate and biodiversity emergencies, Dynamic Earth inspires audiences to connect with the planet and take action to make a difference. Our newest gallery, Discover the Deep, tells the story of Scotland’s role in modern marine science, exploring the depths of the deep sea around the world and the diversity of life found within. It also shines a spotlight on modern-day technology and engineering used for research like Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, and the scientists conducting this research too.
Throughout the year, Dynamic Earth also runs a diverse programme of engagement with audiences to connect people with science relevant to them. These include annual careers showcase ‘Your Planet, Your Future’, online Meet the Scientist workshops and planetarium show ‘Under Pressure’ exploring modern-day deep-sea exploration. By engaging people with the importance of our planet we can all play our part in protecting it – and the ocean, a life support system for Earth, plays a critical part.
RRS Discovery Resources
Can't make it to Dundee in September? You can still learn plenty about the world-class research vessel by checking out or interactive RRS Discovery resources including immersive virtual tours and engaging interviews and videos.