Open or Close Menu About the National Oceanography Centre From Coast to Deep Ocean – Making Sense of Changing Seas 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 Organisation The National Oceanography Centre is an independent self-governing organisation – a charitable company limited by guarantee. The NOC is funded by UK Research and Innovation to work on National Capability programmes, and manages on its behalf, the National Marine Equipment Pool – Europe’s largest fleet of autonomous and robotic vehicles, and two state of the art research ships RRS Discovery and RRS James Cook. Two sites, Southampton and Liverpool The NOC has two sites, Southampton and Liverpool, and employs around 650 staff. We are co-located at both 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. In this section Vision, Mission, Goals and Values Our strategy is written to inform partners of our motivation, values and goals and to inspire and empower our people. Public Benefit We provide public benefit, as part of a global endeavour, by contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge of the ocean. Leadership and Governance The NOC is led and governed by a Board of Trustees and Directors with different roles and responsibilities. Our Commitments Our values inspire our commitment to operate responsibly across all of our activities. Literature and Brochures Read and download our key literature and publications. Our History and Heritage Formed in 1949, today’s NOC dates back to pre-cursor institutions, each with illustrious histories. Impact Report 2020 We know the ocean is critical to life on earth, yet we are facing a dramatic decline in ocean health, with human activity affecting sea levels, temperature and the millions of species that call the ocean home. Our ambition is to make a positive impact, drive change and bring public benefit in all we do. Visit the NOC Impact Report 2019–20 website Download the NOC Annual Review 2019–20 (pdf, 34MB) Download the NOC Annual Report and Financial Statement 2019–20 (pdf) Contact Us and Find Us Telephone numbers and directions to our Liverpool and Southampton Centres. Giving A gift allows you to have a direct impact on world leading ocean research and innovation. Registered address: European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH Company no.: 11444362 Charity no.: 1185265 (England and Wales) SC049896 (Scotland) +44 (0)23 8059 6666 Southampton +44 (0)151 795 4800 Liverpool Get in touch Contact Us Media Enquiries Staff Directory Sign up for National Oceanography Centre email alerts service Get email updates Follow us Twitter Facebook YouTube Instagram LinkedIn © 2021 The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) owns copyright of the material available at this site, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved. Disclaimer Privacy and cookies Modern slavery Contact us Staff resources We use cookies to aid user experience Continuing to use this site means you agree to the cookies policy OK to cookies