About us
Who we are
The NOC has been in operation for over six decades and has a team of over 700 people leading research, technology and innovation that benefits the whole world. We are one of a few global organisations with the equipment and expertise to explore and operate as far below the surface as 6,500m.
What we do
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is a world leader in oceanographic science, research and innovation.
We work in global partnerships in some of the remotest, deepest and most hostile parts of the ocean to bring a greater understanding of issues that affect our environment, our landscapes, our health and our prosperity. Our aim is to advance ocean science and education, and to empower decision makers and the public to make informed choices about issues that affect the world we live in. There is only one ocean, divided into large basins. It is completely interconnected – moving vast amounts of water, heat, chemicals and microscopic life around the planet, without national or political boundaries. It has powerful influences on all parts of the Earth – the atmosphere above, crust below, ice-covered regions and the land’s coastal zones. All these interactions in turn shape the ocean and its life. The ocean profoundly impacts human society.
Our work
The NOC contributes to the global endeavour of advancing scientific knowledge of the ocean.
We do this by:
- Undertaking research and sustained observations of the ocean and sharing the results
- Making sure data about the ocean is available and accessible to all
- Being a hub for research equipment, facilities and infrastructures
- Leading and enabling national and international research collaborations
- Providing independent scientific and technological advice on;
- Securing and protecting ocean resources and ecosystems
- Protecting people and property from natural disasters and climate change
- Understanding climate change and variability, and its effects on society
- Working with universities and others to educate and train scientists, engineers and marine professionals
- Engaging the public with the science of the ocean and its implications
- Engaging with industry and other users of research to support and inform their activities
By gaining a deeper knowledge of the ocean, we help every living thing on our planet flourish
The NOC is one of the world’s top oceanographic institutions.
We provide the UK’s National Capability needed to be a top global player, to lead and participate in international cooperations.
We undertake world leading research in large scale oceanography and ocean measurement technology innovation; working with government and business to turn great science and technology into advice and applications. We support scientists in universities and research institutes with facilities, research infrastructure and irreplaceable data assets – enabling the UK to harness the full power and diversity of its ocean science talent.
Our aim at NOC is to build a world where everyone feels empowered and inspired to help our oceans thrive
As we grow into the role of an independent research organisation, we have evolved our brand to tell a more compelling, differentiating story with clarity of purpose and a distinctive look that takes inspiration from the ocean to enthuse, engage and enrol.
Four sites, from ship to shore
650 staff are employed across Southampton, Liverpool, RRS Discovery and RRS James Cook. We are co-located at both shore sites with leading UK Universities, giving us a unique position in UK marine research. A truly multi-disciplinary centre, our research encompasses Marine Physics and Ocean Climate, Marine Systems Modelling, Ocean BioGeosciences, and Ocean Technology and Engineering. We are home to the nation’s marine data assets; the British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC), the British Ocean Sediment Core Research Facility (BOSCORF) and the Discovery Collections.
NOC Innovations Ltd
Through our trading subsidiary, NOC Innovations Ltd, we provide a vital link between science and business, enabling technology and research to transfer to industry and for revenue to be generated to support our charitable purposes.
Collaborative Science
We work collaboratively with over 40 other UK marine institutions through the NOC Association for Marine Science National Capability Beneficiaries, and engage with users of the UK marine infrastructure through the Marine Facilities Advisory Board, and with the beneficiaries of our long term underpinning National capability Science programmes, through the CLASS Advisory Board.
International co-operation in science
We facilitate international co-operation in science by representing the UK internationally, leading the UK delegation of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, through our membership of the European Marine Board, and through partnerships with other research institutions and organisations worldwide.