Open or Close Menu play pause We make sense of the changing seas, on which future human prosperity and wellbeing depend Vision, Mission, Goals and Values Science and Research Our planet is constantly changing and climate change poses a big threat to society. With years of experience, innovative technology and some of the world’s leading scientists, we take on the challenge of understanding the complexity of our oceans, the Earth system and biosphere. Technology The NOC is a pioneer of ocean technology – pushing the boundaries of endurance and capability with every deployment. Through decades of hard-won experience at the forefront of ocean measure­ment, the lessons learned carry forward to each generation of ocean-going platforms and sensors. Public Benefit The NOC contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge of the ocean, as part of a global endeavour. This is both a public good in its own right, which can lead to applications that result directly or indirectly in public benefit. NOC at COP26 The COP26 summit, running from 31 October – 12 November 2021, will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. We’ve created a handy page where you'll be able to see key NOC messages, key COP events that will be attended by the NOC and recent NOC News stories relating to COP themes. NOC’s key messages Events we’re attending Related articles Our enduring mission is to ‘Make Sense of Changing Seas’ The National Oceanography Centre, existing in its various forms for over six decades, is one of the largest charities in the UK with an annual turnover of over £60 million and employs over 600 staff. It is one of the few research organisations globally that has the equipment and expertise to operate at full ocean depth. We make sense of the changing seas, on which future human prosperity and wellbeing depend. Under the Surface Discover the Big Science we’re undertaking to meet the Big Challenges facing the ocean. Find out about the research and innovation that can protect our ocean, planet and people. The NOC provides Facilities to the UK Marine Research Community Advances in ocean science depend on measurements in the ocean. Satellite observations provide data for the surface layer of the ocean. To penetrate beyond the surface, scientists rely on in situ physical measurements from a range of platforms, including research ships, ocean observatories, moorings, and autonomous underwater and surface vehicles. More about Facilities World-leading innovative Science and Technology underpinning the Ocean Economy The National Oceanography Centre is in a unique position of having world-leading multi-disciplinary scientific and technical expertise which can help unlock the economic and societal potential of the ocean across a range of industry sectors. Working with Business A gift allows you to have a direct impact on world leading ocean research and innovation More about giving In the Spotlight Micro­plas­tics Research Understanding the extent and implications of microplastic pollution on marine ecosystems health. RRS James Cook Virtual Tour Explore one of the world’s most advanced research vessels from bridge to engine room. Oceanids Our new innovative autonomous vehicles, sensors and software push the boundaries of ocean exploration (UK Govt. – Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund). ‘Addressing marine ecosystems and food security’ A free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) available via Future Learn. News See all News National Oceanography Centre launches funding initiative to empower people to support ocean sustainability News 10 November 2021 Leading charity, the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), is calling on individuals and businesses to protect the future of the ocean by joining its... Portrait of first ship to circumnavigate the globe for ocean research presented to the National Oceanography Centre 19 November 2021 A framed print of a previously unknown detailed watercolour painting of the famous ship, HMS Challenger by George Cochrane Kerr in c1890, was... The NOC marks step towards net-zero technology innovations with 25th anniversary 16 November 2021 This year, the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its first Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) mission.... The NOC and ISA address the use of technology in deep seafloor mineral exploration, exploitation, and environmental monitoring 12 November 2021 Exploration and potential future exploitation of marine minerals is an emerging field to ensure future access to raw materials for low carbon... Robot submarine trails underway in Scotland to develop enhanced autonomous platforms for future Net Zero Oceanographic Capability 9 November 2021 Engineers from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) have returned to Loch Ness in Scotland for the latest trials of new, state-of-the-art robot... NOC’s Dr Angela Hibbert explains the importance of World Tsunami Awareness Day 5 November 2021 World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually across the globe on 5 November. Dr Angela Hibbert, Head of Sea Level and Ocean Climate at the... New Citizen Science project to digitise historical weather observations launched 5 November 2021 Weather Rescue at Sea, a Zooniverse based citizen science project to digitise weather observations taken across the oceans in the 1860s is now live... Latest Publications See all Publications How does the Southern Ocean palaeoenvironment during Marine Isotope Stage 5e compare to the modern? Marine Micropaleontology Published 2022 The Messinian Salinity Crisis as a trigger for high pore pressure development in the Western Mediterranean Basin Research Published 2021 The formation and implications of giant blocks and fluid escape structures in submarine lateral spreads Basin Research Published 2021 Terrain-aided navigation for long-range AUVs in dynamic under-mapped environments Journal of Field Robotics Published 2021 NOC Covid-19 Response The NOC supports its staff to work from home when possible. We continue to undertake research activities, deliver contractual commitments and maintain our core business functions. 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