Home News The Establishment of the «IML Gard Fund» Rate this article: The Establishment of the «IML Gard Fund» 01.11.2021 The Institute of Maritime Law and Gard are pleased to announce the establishment of the «IML Gard Fund», which was launched on 20 October in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southampton Professor Mark E. Smith, Mr Tim Howse, Vice President Industry Liaison, Gard, and Dr Alexandros X.M. Ntovas, Director of the Institute of Maritime Law. Left to right: The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southampton Professor Mark E. Smith, Mr Tim Howse, Vice President Industry Liaison, Gard, and Dr Alexandros X.M. Ntovas, Director of the Institute of Maritime Law On the wonderful occasion of establishing the «IML Gard Fund», Professor Mark E. Smith expressed his thanks for Gard’s generous financial pledge over the next four academic years to support the Institute of Maritime Law and enhance the activities of the University of Southampton relating to the maritime domain in the light of the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Maritime Coastguard Authority, and along the work of the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, and Lloyd’s Register based in the Boldrewood Innovation Campus, as well as the National Oceanography Centre at the Waterfront Campus. Mr Rolf Thore Roppestad, CEO of Gard, commented that “One of Gard’s founding principles is knowledge and expertise and a partnership such as this one speaks clearly about the importance of those attributes in solving both today’s risks and tomorrow’s challenges. Sustainable maritime development is a core focus for Gard and, as a leading marine insurance group, we have an important responsibility, as well as an opportunity, to use our leverage to support the transition to a more sustainable maritime industry. We look forward to working closely with the University and the IML to do just that.” Dr Alexandros X.M. Ntovas, Director of the Institute of Maritime Law, recounted that “This unique partnership, is the successful outcome of more than a year’s hard work in envisioning and carefully crafting with Mr Tim Howse, Vice President Industry Liaison, Gard, an organic framework between academia and the industry that we expect to grow further and contribute into sustainable maritime development. The «IML Gard Fund» will support activities central to the mission and strategic aims of the Institute of Maritime Law, including funding workshops, high-profile international conferences, distinguished lectures and public events that increase our global engagement, and activity in pursuit of its specialist teaching, research and enterprise, in which areas the Institute has established an excellent international reputation boasting a continuing tradition of 40 years to be celebrated in 2022.” Left to right: Mr Tim Howse Vice President Industry Liaison, Gard, and Dr Alexandros X.M. Ntovas, Director of the Institute of Maritime Law Further information on the Institute of Maritime Law: www.southampton.ac.uk/iml/ Latest news 09.11.21 Directors' Report and Financial Statements as at 20 August 2021 09.11.21 Half year result reflects industry trends 01.11.21 The Establishment of the «IML Gard Fund» STAY UPDATED Get updates from Gard in your inbox. Read our latest news and insights. Sign up for our updates Follow Gard Linkedin Twitter Facebook Disclaimer Code of ethics and business conduct Gard's commitment to the UN Global Compact Gard's Modern Slavery Act statement Cookies and data protection Complaints Webmaster Gard is a member of