Our vision for the next decade: Strategy 2025–2035

Now is a critical time for marine research, and for us at the National Oceanography Centre.

Across the world, the ocean’s vital role in shaping our climate, sustaining life, and supporting global prosperity has never been more widely recognised. But with that recognition comes responsibility and opportunity. The world is asking for knowledge, solutions, and leadership, and at NOC, we’re ready to answer that call.

Our Strategy 2025–2035 sets out how we’ll continue to explore, inform, and inspire using world-class science and technology to make a real difference for people and planet.
 

Why This Strategy Matters

We stand at a pivotal moment. The effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean exploitation are accelerating, but so too are opportunities for discovery and innovation. As a leading ocean science and technology institute, NOC plays a central role in providing the trusted evidence and insight the world needs to adapt, thrive, and protect our shared future.

The UK has one of the largest marine estates on Earth and a proud maritime heritage. That means we not only have the capability, but we also have the responsibility to lead in global ocean governance and sustainable ocean use.
 

Our Vision

By gaining a deeper knowledge of the ocean, we help every living thing on our planet flourish.

The ocean is our planet’s lifeblood; vast, powerful, and still full of mystery. Our purpose is to unlock that mystery, turning research and technological innovation into trusted knowledge for real action and solutions.
 

Four Missions for a Sustainable Future

Our work is focused around four core ocean-related missions:

• Climate: Helping society plan for, adapt to, and mitigate environmental change.

• Biodiversity: Protecting and enabling thriving marine ecosystems.

• Hazards and Pollution: Safeguarding people, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

• Sustainable Marine Economy: Ensuring economic growth that protects the ocean’s health.

In addition, we’re deepening our focus on the Arctic, one of the most rapidly changing regions on Earth, and a key driver of global climate and biodiversity systems.

Together, we can push the boundaries of ocean science and innovation, because by building ocean knowledge and understanding, we help every living thing on our planet flourish.