Gaining A Deeper Knowledge Of The Ocean
Our planet is a blue planet. The ocean covers the majority of Earth’s surface, regulating climate, absorbing carbon, and sustaining life on a global scale. Yet vast areas remain unexplored, and the ocean’s critical role is often underestimated.
The National Oceanography Centre exists to deepen our understanding of the ocean in order to address some of the most urgent environmental and societal challenges of our time.
From climate change and biodiversity loss to rising sea levels and the future of ocean-based economies, these global issues demand world-class science and innovation.
Working in partnership across the UK and internationally, we translate advanced research and technology into trusted knowledge, supporting evidence-based decision making, shaping policy, and enabling real-world impact.
Our 2025–2035 strategy sets out how we will lead the next decade of ocean science. It is built on a commitment to knowledge that is not only rigorous, but purposeful, accessible, and applied for the benefit of society and planetary health.
A Foreword From Our CEO
Now is a critical time for marine research. The role of the ocean and seas in mediating our climate and supporting all life on Earth, including our own, is increasingly recognised not only by scientists but by wider society. This brings a significant opportunity to the marine research community but also brings the challenge: to provide the science and evidence to meet global demands for knowledge. It is, therefore, our responsibility to demonstrate that NOC science is focused on societal needs, is relevant, robust, and provides value for all."
Who We Are
NOC is one of the world’s leading oceanographic institutions, with a heritage spanning more than six decades. With an annual turnover of £80 million and a team of over 650 staff, NOC is among the few research organisations worldwide with the equipment and expertise to operate at depths down to 6,000 metres.
We conduct world-class research from coastal waters to the deep ocean, expanding understanding of the marine environment to tackle critical environmental challenges. We also develop innovative technologies that enable and advance this research. As one of the very few institutions able to bring together leading scientists, technologists and digital experts, we help deliver essential ocean knowledge efficiently and effectively, for the benefit of our partners and the wider world.
Work With Us
As one of the UK’s largest ocean research charities and a leading national and international voice, NOC brings together specialists from diverse backgrounds to work in partnership with organisations and individuals who share a single goal: to raise the profile of the ocean and secure its long-term future.
Across our sites in Southampton and Liverpool, and aboard our two world-class research vessels, RRS Discovery and RRS James Cook, we employ over 650 people from the UK and around the world. As an Investors in People accredited organisation, we are committed to supporting our staff’s learning and development, and we strive to create an exciting and innovative place to work.
Discover the Ocean
There is only one ocean: a single, vast body of water divided into large basins but entirely interconnected. It moves immense volumes of water, heat, chemicals and microscopic life around the planet, unconstrained by national or political boundaries. But how much do you really know about the world’s final frontier?
We’ve created a range of educational pages to shed light on some of the greatest challenges facing the ocean today. Using interactive and engaging resources, including videos, quizzes and episodes of our award-winning podcast, Into the Blue, we aim to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding of this vital part of our planet.
Empowering Ocean Science for a sustainable future
To gain a deeper knowledge of the ocean, we must deliver world-leading science and deliver the capacity (including engineering, digital and laboratory) for ourselves and others to do that science.
It is not sufficient just to gain knowledge. We must also ensure that it is trusted, purposeful, accessible, and used for the benefit of society and planetary health. To achieve this means partnering across an increasing range of sectors, including research organisations and charities, nationally and internationally, beyond the natural sciences.
We work with government to support policy needs and with industry to stimulate prosperity and growth. We work with partners to ensure our ocean knowledge supports civil society and is used to engage the public, to enhance understanding about the ocean and its role in our lives. We also support other organisations through providing research facilities enabling high-quality science for public good.
We can only deliver this impact for society and planetary health if, as an organisation, we are vibrant, healthy and financially resilient. Therefore, to achieve our vision our strategy is formulated to deliver four major outcomes:
Advancing The Frontiers Of Research And Innovation: Read The 2025-2035 Strategy
Discover our vision for a healthier, more resilient ocean. This strategy sets out the actions needed to protect marine ecosystems, drive innovation, and secure a sustainable future for everyone.