Full keynote lineup for MATS

The future direction of the UK’s marine research infrastructure and how to succeed in taking on solo global ocean challenges are on the keynote billboard for this year’s tenth. Marine Autonomy and Technology Showcase (MATS), organiser the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has announced.

The event will run from 5–7 November, at NOC’s dockside facilities in Southampton, with the NOC operated research vessel RRS James Cook due to be alongside.

Confirmed keynote speakers include NOC chief executive Dr John Siddorn, Dr Katherine Hill, Lead Scientist on NERC’s Future Marine Research Infrastructure (FMRI) programme, British yachtsman, business owner, adventurer and explorer Conrad Humphreys, and Professor Damon Teagle, of the University of Southampton and Smart Green Shipping. They will now also be joined by Aviation, Maritime and Security Minister Mike Kane MP, who will deliver a special pre-recorded keynote speech on the critical role that autonomy and technology plays in the energy transition.

Alongside the keynotes, MATS technical sessions will tackle critical themes on marine autonomy including the blue economy, robotics and remote data, artificial intelligence and next generation autonomous platforms. Visitors will also have the chance to meet a wide range of companies and organisations in the exhibition area.

Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP said, “autonomous systems, AI and robotics will be crucial in decarbonising maritime and achieving our wider Net Zero goals. The UK has a strong maritime technology sector and events like this help bring the industry together to discuss the research, science and tech innovations needed to deliver a cleaner, greener future.”

Huw Gullick, Associate Director of NOC Innovations, said, “we are really pleased to be welcoming Mike Kane MP to MATS 2024. His involvement with the showcase thoroughly emphasises the importance of autonomy and technology developments and highlights the UK’s dedication to harnessing maritime innovation for a more sustainable future.”

MATS will also host a special drinks reception sponsored by the NOC Innovation Centre on Tuesday 5 November, and an evening social event sponsored by Exail on Wednesday 6 November.
For more information about MATS, see the programme, registration and further sponsorship opportunities.