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Public showcase and celebration at Discovery Point, Dundee, 12th – 16th September
100 years ago, RRS Discovery was designated the UK’s first Royal Research Ship. This was a pivotal moment in the history of marine science and launched a legacy of global oceanographic exploration that continues today.
To mark this milestone, the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), in partnership with Dundee Heritage Trust (DHT) and other collaborators including UKRI Natural Environment Research Council, the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology Scotland (MASTS), and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) will host a showcase at Discovery Point in Dundee.
The first Royal Research Ship Commission (1925–1927), saw the historic RRS Discovery set sail from Dartmouth on 24th September 1925 and reach the first station near Ascension Island in November. The ship arrived in Table Bay, South Africa in September 1926, and then travelled onto the Southern Ocean. This two-year voyage set in motion a series of scientific expeditions, known as the Discovery Investigations, which continued until 1980. This research contributed greatly to the understanding of whale migration patterns and provided a scientific basis for regulating the whaling industry.
Specimens collected on this first expedition are still part of the Discovery Collections, housed at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton.
Discovery 100
The current RRS Discovery, the fourth vessel to carry the name, will berth in Dundee following its participation in ongoing projects. These include the AtlantiS (Atlantic Climate and Environment Strategic Science) programme, led by NOC, which investigates how natural and human-driven changes in the global ocean impact marine ecosystems and human society, and eSWEETS3, (Enabling Sustainable Wind Energy Expansion in Seasonally Stratified Seas), led by the University of Liverpool. This is focused on understanding how floating wind farms in the North Sea affect ocean physics, biology, and chemistry. Both projects highlight the role of ocean science in addressing climate change, sustainable energy, and the health of marine ecosystems.
Free public events will take place from 12th – 16th September at both Discovery Point (home of the original RRS Discovery, built in Dundee in 1901 for Captain Scott’s first Antarctic expedition) and aboard the 2012 RRS Discovery. Advance tickets to go behind the scenes of one of the UK’s most advanced research vessels and meet the scientists, engineers, and technologists at the forefront of ocean science were fully booked in less than 90 minutes.
The event programme on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will include a special 100 years of RRS Discovery exhibition exploring the history of four RRS Discovery ships and interactive science engagement stands showcasing ocean research for curious audiences of all ages.
Attendees can also join the Learning and Engagement Team from Dynamic Earth at the weekend to discover the depths of Scotland’s Ocean as well as enjoy inspiring and educational talks with oceanographers and ocean professionals from across Scotland.
Dr John Siddorn, Chief Executive of the National Oceanography Centre, said: “This centenary is more than the anniversary of a ship. It's a tribute to 100 years of marine science, exploration, and innovation. From the early Discovery Investigations to today’s cutting-edge research, we celebrate the engineers, technologists, researchers, and crew who make this work possible. We’re proud to share their stories and demonstrate how marine research continues to shape a more informed, resilient, and sustainable future for society.”
Emma Halford-Forbes, Heritage Director for Dundee Heritage Trust, said “We’re excited to work with our friends at NOC on this partnership project. The original Discovery started a significant body of work exploring the oceans of our precious planet and this project will bring that up to date and bring it to life during the showcase.”
Professor Louise Heathwaite, Natural Environment Research Council, Executive Chair, said “NERC is delighted to support this celebration of the rich heritage of the RRS Discovery. Over the past 100 years the Discovery has supported NERC and its research community in unlocking the fundamental processes of the ocean, enabling innovative and sustainable supply chains in coastal communities and marine industries from food systems and shipping routes to offshore wind farms. As we develop and exploit new technologies such as autonomous data collection to enhance our capabilities to explore the ocean, and from those discoveries build resilience to a changing climate, help new industries emerge and deliver growth around the UK, the next century promises to be more exciting still.”
Click here for more information:
100 Years of RRS Discovery - Dundee Heritage Trust
100 Years of RRS Discovery | National Oceanography Centre
The 2012 RRS Discovery is owned and funded by UKRI-NERC.