Ours 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.
“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 is increasingly recognised not only by scientists but by wider society. This brings a significant opportunity to the marine research community: to demonstrate the real impact of the ocean. It also brings the challenge: that we can 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.”"
Understand how the climate and ocean interact to help plan for, adapt to, and mitigate environmental change.
Protect the world’s largest and most diverse ecosystem, and provide the tools it needs to thrive.
Strengthen resources and safeguards for people, infrastructure, and ecosystems to reduce hazards and pollution.
Ensure marine economic development is sustainable while protecting the ocean’s long-term health.
The National Oceanography Centre (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 700 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 our seas 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 under one roof, we help deliver essential ocean knowledge efficiently and effectively, for the benefit of our partners and the wider world.
As one of the UK’s largest ocean research charities and a leading national and international voice, the 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.
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, NOC Into the Blue, we aim to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding of this vital part of our planet.
To deepen our understanding of the ocean, we build the capacity, through engineering, digital innovation and world-class laboratories, for ourselves and others to do exceptional science.
Knowledge alone isn’t enough. It must be trusted, accessible, and put to work for the benefit of society and the health of our planet. That’s why we collaborate widely; with researchers, charities, government and industry, ensuring ocean science informs policy, supports prosperity, and inspires people everywhere.
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.