National Marine Equipment Pool: Autumn 2023 call (Round 4) for applications

Members of the UK marine science community are invited to submit applications for items of equipment to be considered for addition to the National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP). Full details of the application process are available on the Marine Facilities Advisory Board (MFAB) website and questions to Jackie Pearson, MFAB Secretary, are welcome. The closing date for applications is Friday 15 December 2023.

Upscaling Autonomy Working Group report published

A recommendation of the landmark Net Zero Oceanographic Capability (NZOC) report was that "NERC should expect to double the size of the autonomous fleet it supports every five years." In response, the NOCA and the Challenger Society for Marine Science formed the joint Upscaling Autonomy Working Group (UAWG). The UAWG ran a series of information webinars, followed by a consultation, on the future shape of upscaling of marine autonomy in the UK. With thanks to NOCA Chair, Professor Mark Inall and members of the UAWG, the report from the consultation has now been published and is available on this NOC Association page.

Inclusive leadership for public engagement with research

A training and development programme for researchers working in fields aligned with the NERC portfolio.

Are you a passionate Environmental Science researcher eager to make a real impact with your work? Are you considering how to embed diversity, equity and inclusion in your research and public engagement? Do you want to enhance your leadership skills and engage with the public effectively? Are you responsible for supporting others with public engagement? Would you like to be a more effective leader of public engagement with research?

Philosophical Transactions A: Atlantic overturning: new observations and challenges

Royal Society Publishing has recently published a special issue of Philosophical Transactions A:  Atlantic overturning: new observations and challenges organised and edited by M A Srokosz, N P Holliday and H L Bryden FRS and the articles are available at https://www.bit.ly/TransA2262

A print version is also available at the special price of £40.00 per issue from sales@royalsociety.org 

Marine Data Management Training

The Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) and OceanWise are delighted to invite you to attend our popular free online training workshop: Marine Data Management, Governance and the MEDIN toolset.

This training course is suitable for anyone responsible for collecting or managing marine environmental data – Including researchers, technicians, undergraduates, post-graduates. Prior knowledge or practical experience of data management is not required.

CLASS Modelling Workshop 2024

The CLASS Programme is hosting a Modelling Workshop in early 2024. This is aimed at UK participants only. Event details and criteria to sign up are available here.

Ocean and Coastal Futures - Bursary

As part of our commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, Ocean and Coastal Futures is launching its first Coastal Futures Bursary in partnership with Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. This opportunity is open for young people aged 18 to 30 years old, who are currently underrepresented in the marine and coastal sector and face financial barriers to attending. Individuals do not have to be working or studying in the sector currently but must reside in the UK.

The oceans, the blue economy and implications for climate change event

The oceans, the blue economy and implications for climate change
Date:  29 November 2023, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Speaker:  Rupert Howes, Joanna Post, Dr John Siddorn, Dr Siva Thambisetty, Professor Elizabeth Robinson, Dr Darian McBain
Venue:  Sheikh Zayed Theatre, Cheng Kin Ku Building, LSE Campus and online

Many conversations about sustainability and climate-change focus on activities on land – the green part of our planet. This misses a vital part of the puzzle, the role that our oceans play.

National Marine Equipment Pool: Autumn 2023 call (Round 4) for applications

Members of the UK marine science community are invited to submit applications for items of equipment to be considered for addition to the National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP).  Full details of the application process are available on the Marine Facilities Advisory Board (MFAB) website and questions to Jackie Pearson, MFAB Secretary, are welcome. The closing date for applications is Friday 15 December 2023.

Challenger Conversations – Ocean exploration past, present and future

The free conversational webinar series starts with the legacy of the HMS Challenger expedition on its 150th anniversary and develops a diverse global community of citizen scientists who understand the influence of the ocean on our lives and our influence on the ocean.

Measurement Systems for 21st Century Oceanography

There is an imperative to measure the ocean in greater detail if we are to chart a sustainable future on this planet. The Net-Zero Oceanographic Capability Scoping Study (2021), commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), therefore undertook a detailed review of the sensor systems and networks that will be needed to meet anticipated marine science priorities. The Future Marine Research Infrastructure (FMRI) Programme is continuing this engagement to shape NERC’s strategic investment in measurement technologies that enable new and different science.

Exciting opportunity – MEDIN Chair

The Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) is seeking an outstanding new Chair, who can bring strategic leadership, enthusiasm and independent thinking to our Sponsors’ Board and Executive Team at a significant time in our development. Further information about the role can be found here.   

UK Sustained Scientific Ocean Observation Priorities Consultation

UK Sustained Scientific Ocean Observation Priorities Consultation

In 2022 the National Oceanography Centre led a consultation, on behalf of the Natural Environment Research Council, on prioritising the ocean observations that are important to the UK and internationally. The report has now been published.

United Nations World Ocean Assessment III

The United Nations World Ocean Assessment III need to identify a pool of experts in these topics who are willing to draft the necessary chapters, and also for peer-reviewers to review the content. As you can see from the list of expertise, there are many opportunities to contribute, particularly in topics such as ocean and human health, pollution and ecotoxicology, or marine genomics, but also around ocean governance or science communication.

Royal Society - photo competition

Submit your Earth science and climatology image by 18 August for a chance to win £1000 (or equivalent currency)!
We're asking scientists from across the world to send in their images according to 2 key criteria: they should be aesthetically pleasing and convey an interesting scientific phenomenon in one of the following categories:
• Earth science & climatology 
• Ecology & environmental science 
• Micro-imaging
• Astronomy 
• Behaviour 

Oceanology International 2024 - Call for Papers

We’re delighted to let you know that the Call-for-Papers for Oceanology International is open for Challenger Society members to submit your abstracts. Use this link to discover more.   The Call-for-Papers closes on 12th Sept and all applicants will be notified on 10th October whether their talk has been accepted.

Ocean Modelling and AMBIO Special Interest Group 2023 Meetings

The Ocean Modelling Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Advances in Marine Biogeochemistry (AMBIO) SIG are hosting meetings in September. 

Arctic Science Summit Week - Edinburgh UK March 2024

The Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) is being held in Edinburgh during the 21st-29th March 2024 and the Science Day is being held on the 26th of March 2024. For more information please see the ASSW website here: https://assw.info/program/science-day-2024

Heat and carbon uptake in the Southern Ocean: the state of the art and future priorities

Royal Society Publishing has recently published special issue of Philosophical Transactions A entitled Heat and carbon uptake in the Southern Ocean: the state of the art and future priorities.

Challenger Unlearning Racism in Geoscience (URGE) Pod

As part of the Challenger Society for Marine Science’s objective to become an anti-racist learned society, the Challenger Society Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Working Group are setting up an Unlearning Racism in Geoscience (URGE) discussion pod led by Siddhi Joshi. See the main article for further information.

International Advanced PhD course on Ecologically relevant oceanographic processes in the Northeastern Atlantic

Ecologically relevant oceanographic processes in the Northeastern Atlantic

21 August – 1 September 2023 – Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands

German Maritime Museum: expedition stories

The German Maritime Museum are looking for submissions about the emotional aspects of going to sea from the last 15 years. Submissions are welcome and will be considered for a permanent exhibition on research vessels at the German Maritime Museum. 

MEDIN Open Meeting - Enhancing the national framework for sharing UK marine data

We are excited to invite you to the next MEDIN Open Meeting entitled “Enhancing the national framework for sharing UK marine data.” on April 26th 2023.

Challenger Expedition Portal

Check out the Challenger Expedition Portal created by SAMS: https://challenger-expedition.sams.ac.uk/

Upscaling of Marine Autonomy: Marine research community consultation

Upscaling of Marine Autonomy: Marine research community consultation

A recommendation of the landmark Net Zero Oceanographic Capability (NZOC) report was that "NERC should expect to double the size of the autonomous fleet it supports every five years." In response, the NOCA and the Challenger Society for Marine Science have formed the joint Upscaling Autonomy Working Group (UAWG). The UAWG is running a series of information webinars, followed by a consultation, on the future shape of upscaling of marine autonomy in the UK. For further details and to register, please see the event flyer which may also be found on the NOCA web page which now also features the presentations from the first webinar and survey questions.

NOC Association of Marine Science National Capability Beneficiaries (NOCA) Annual General Meeting – Registration now open!

NOC Association of Marine Science National Capability Beneficiaries (NOCA) Annual General Meeting – Registration now open!

Registration for the 12th Annual Meeting of the NOC Association is now open. The meeting will be conducted on Zoom during the mornings of Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th June 2023.

The agenda will include items on the UK Sustained Scientific Ocean Observation Priorities Consultation, updates on an Upscaling Autonomy Working Group, the Climate Linked Atlantic Sector Science programme, artificial intelligence and digital twins, and accessibility to ship-based research. Further details will be posted on the NOCA web page shortly.

Please register using the following link: NOC Association 2023 Registration | noc-events.co.uk  

Updates for institution entries in the UK Marine Science and Technology Compendium can be advised to NOCA Secretary Jackie Pearson jfpea@noc.ac.uk

New members sought for the Marine Facilities Advisory Board

Marine Facilities Advisory Board: call for new members

The Marine Facilities Advisory Board (MFAB) is seeking to recruit five new members from the UK marine scientific user community who are keen to provide vital insight into the potential future needs of the National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP). Details about this interesting opportunity are available on the MFAB website or here. For questions about this opportunity or more generally about MFAB, please contact: Jackie Pearson, Secretary to MFAB, National Oceanography Centre: jfpea@noc.ac.uk

Challenger Medal Awarded 2020 and 2022

The Challenger Society is delighted to announce the delayed award of the 2020 Challenger Medal to Prof. Alberto Naveira Garabato, and of the 2022 Challenger Medal to Prof. Carol Robinson. We are absolutely delighted to honour these two fantastic scientists in this way, and look forward to hearing their Award Lectures at the forthcoming Challenger 150 meeting at the Natural History Museum. For more information about the Challenger Conference 2022 please click here.

International Digital Twins of the Ocean Summit #DITTO22

You are warmly invited to join on-line the International Digital Twins of the Ocean Summit #DITTO22, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday the 4th and 5th of May.

Vacancy MASTS Marine Social Science Lead

MASTS has a vacancy for a 0.5FT Marine Social Science lead. 

Is fieldwork a requirement for a career in marine science?

Please save the date for an introductory and perception gathering event run by a subset of the Challenger Society EDIA working group. The virtual event will focus on ‘Evaluating perceptions of job roles in marine research and raising awareness of digital twinning of the oceans to promote diversity and inclusivity in the marine sciences.’ The event will take place on the 27th of January 2022 13:30-15:30 on zoom.

The Decade Working Group (DWG): Update

In the UK marine community the United Nations Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), hereafter ‘the Decade’, is gaining growing publicity. What is less well established is how UK marine researchers can participate in the Decade and how funding for research will emerge.

New NERC Ocean Observations Consultation

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has asked the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) to lead a piece of work on prioritising the sustained ocean observations that are most important to the UK and the international effort. 

Appointment of Expert Members of the Decade Advisory Board

Please see this link for the circular letter Cl 2871 from the IOC announcing the establishment of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) Advisory Board, and it is with great pleasure to share that the UK has representation by way of Prof Gideon Henderson. Gideon’s nomination, supported by Defra and the FCDO demonstrates the UK’s commitment to supporting the Ocean Decade at a critical time as the Advisory Boards helps set the direction of the Decade.

Decade Advisory Board - CL-2871_e

The Challenger Society for Marine Science Membership Survey Report

Summary of the 2021 Challenger Society membership survey.

Report on Impacts of Covid-19

Summary Report on the Impacts of Covid-19 available from the NOCA AGM

News items from the NOC Association and the Marine Facilities Advisory Board

The details of the membership of the Decade Working Group (DWG), that was announced at the May 2021 AGM of the NOC Association, are now available:
NOC Association of Marine Science National Capability Beneficiaries | National Oceanography Centre

The March 2021 minutes of the Marine Facilities Advisory Board are available here: Marine_Facilities_Advisory Board_March_2021_minutes.pdf (noc.ac.uk)

Are your institution’s details up to date on the The UK Marine Science and Technology Compendium?  If not, please let the Secretary know.
Secretary to the NOCA and MFAB: Jackie Pearson, jfpea@noc.ac.uk National Oceanography Centre

Cancellation of 2020/21 Challenger Conference

Sadly, the postponed 2020 Challenger Conference to be hosted at SAMs from 6th September 2021 has also been cancelled.

New Seagoing Bursary for Students and Early Career Scientists

NOC has received funding from West P&I to deliver a seagoing bursary to enable students and early career scientists, including from developing countries, to experience sea-going science.

Net Zero Oceanographic Capability (NZOC) Workshop: Future Research Platforms as Data Hubs in a Connected World

Net Zero Oceanographic Capability (NZOC) Workshop: Future Research Platforms as Data Hubs in a Connected World
Thursday 22nd April 2021

BBC article - History of the Challenger Expedition

BBC Futures, Stephen Dowling, 5th Feb 2021
A really great narrative, charting the story of the Challenger expedition

The NOCA 2021 Annual General Meeting

The 2021 AGM of the NOC Association of Marine Science National Capability Beneficiaries (NOCA) will be conducted by Zoom on 11th and 12th May 2021

Challenger Society 2020 Conference

Conference Postponed until Sept 2021 due to Covid-19 outbreak.

Ocean Challenge search function

There is a new online search function for all Ocean Challenge issues that allows anyone to easily search for articles on a specific topic. We hope this will be used not just by the marine science community but by educators who would otherwise not have access to such resources.

(8/11/2017).