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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Our Vision
Our strategy is written to inform partners of our motivation, values and goals and to inspire and empower our people.
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Public Benefit
We provide public benefit, as part of a global endeavour, by contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge of the ocean.
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Leadership and Governance
The NOC is led and governed by a Board of Trustees and Directors with different roles and responsibilities.
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Our Commitments
Our values inspire our commitment to operate responsibly across all of our activities.
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Literature and Brochures
Read and download our key literature and publications.
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Our History and Heritage
Formed in 1949, today’s NOC dates back to pre-cursor institutions, each with illustrious histories.