About us
The Society
The Challenger Society for Marine Science is a learned society for marine scientists in the UK. It is named after the ship H.M.S. Challenger, which was used in one of the most important marine studies ever conducted. Here, you can find information about the history of the Society, the people behind the Society, how to join, our aims and objectives and information on the Special Interest Groups organised by CSMS.
The Society is a Limited Company and Registered Charity run by an elected Council of volunteers.
Objectives
What are the Society's objectives?- to advance the study and application of marine science through research and education
- to encourage two way collaboration between the marine science research base and industry/commerce
- to contribute to public debate and government policy on the development of marine science
- to hold, at regular intervals, scientific meetings for the discussion of all aspects of marine science
- to set up specialist groups as required in different disciplines
- to provide a forum for deeper technical discussions
- to disseminate knowledge of marine science to the public with a view to encouraging a wider interest in the study of the seas and an awareness of the need for their proper management
- to publish, among other things, news of the activities of the Society and of the world of marine science; material intended to present new activities and developments in a way to bring them to public attention; such other papers as may from time to time be deemed appropriate
- to provide or arrange, in suitable cases, financial assistance to students in marine science
- By holding regular scientific meetings covering all aspects of marine science
- By supporting specialist groups to provide a forum for discussion and by publishing a magazine and newsletter
- By fostering links to other groups and societies throughout the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.
- By operating a travel grant and stepping stones bursary scheme
- By its biannual award of Challenger Fellowships and the Challenger Medal.
The Society’s biannual Challenger Conference is the premier Ocean Science meeting in the UK attended by hundreds of researchers from the UK and world-wide with an associated marine science technology exhibition.
In addition, our affiliated groups organise specialist meetings which are ideal for detailed discussion of the key hot topics of the day and provide a friendly and informal place for PhD students and senior scientists to mingle and present their latest research. The current specialist groups of the Challenger Society are listed (link) but we keep these under review and are always open to forming new groups.
We publish Ocean Challenge twice a year (link), a high quality magazine designed to appeal to all members and to a wider audience with substantial articles on all aspects of marine science around the world. We now make this journal available freely via this website as an educational resource.
We also publish a more informal large monthly newsletter for members which includes material of interest on marine policy, field programmes, meetings and jobs.
We support early career members through our bursary and travel grant schemes (link).
We contribute to policy advice to government and learned bodies.
Latest News
Challenger Society Council Position Vacancy
The Challenger Society for Marine Science (CSMS) are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to support the next generation of ocean scientists and innovators. CSMS are looking for a new Council member to fill the Student Travel Awards and Stepping Stones Portfolio. The successful applicant will administer the travel and research grants available for Early Career Researchers.
The role involves:
- Receiving applications for the two schemes and responding to applicant inquiries
- Soliciting and compiling input from the rest of the Council for assessing the applications
- Communicating with successful and unsuccessful applicants for the two schemes
- Working with the Honorary Treasurer on allocating funds to successful applicants
- Following up with award winners on their reporting requirements
- Attending Council meetings four times a year (in person or online) and contributing to discussions and decision making for CSMS
The usual term for Council members is three years.
For more information about the CSMS Council, please follow this link: https://www.challenger-society.org.uk/The_Council
For more information about our Early Career Researcher grants and awards, please follow this link:
https://www.challenger-society.org.uk/Stepping_Stones
and
https://www.challenger-society.org.uk/Travel_awards
If you are interested in applying or have any questions regarding the role, please contact kathen@bas.ac.uk
NOC Association (NOCA) AGM 2025
The 14th AGM of the NOC Association will be held on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May 2025. This free, on-line event will take place on Zoom, across two consecutive mornings, each starting at 10:00 and ending at 12:30. The agenda will focus on national capability (NC) science, ships, and autonomous vehicles, and how the community can engage. There will be an update on AtlantiS and on the new marine science scoping group. All are warmly welcome to join.
To participate, please complete your registration here.
For enquiries: Jackie Pearson, Secretary to NOCA: jfpea@noc.ac.uk
Townhall on UK Arctic Ocean contribution to International Polar Year 32/33
The Arctic is one of the most rapidly-changing regions on our planet, with impacts on global sea-level rise, changes to our climate and weather patterns, and threats to our shared biodiversity and ecosystem services. With the international community rapidly mobilising towards the International Polar Year 32/33, and with new international programmes and initiatives now being shaped, it is timely for the UK Ocean Science community to come together and articulate what its unique offerings could be to Arctic research and technology.
This hybrid 2-day meeting, to be held at NOC Southampton, is intended to start this process. Recognising the Arctic Oceans role in global Earth and Human systems, anticipated outcomes include a high-level shaping of what the UK Arctic Ocean community would like to achieve over the course of the IPY, stimulation of new collaborations and proposals for grand Arctic challenges and a baseline from which wider integration with terrestrial, atmospheric and cryosphere communities, both in the UK and overseas, can be built. Discussions will continue in diverse forums, including the UK Arctic Science Meeting in September and at Challenger 2026.
This action is supported by the UK Arctic Office and UK Arctic and Antarctic Partnership
Further details and meeting registration link will be circulated in April together with a questionnaire to help shape the agenda and discussion
In the meantime…SAVE THE DATE