The Scientific Committee on Ocean Research (SCOR) was founded in 1957 to address interdisciplinary questions related to the ocean, with more than 2,300 individuals involved in SCOR activities to date. SCOR has had a specific focus on supporting ‘working groups’ of international scientists that are established in response to proposals from the scientific community. SCOR also sponsors international ocean science programmes, including GEOTRACES, IMBeR and SOLAS, as well as dedicating funds to support capacity building. For more details see: www.scor-int.org
The UK pays annual dues to SCOR, which are split between the Challenger Society for Marine Science (51%) and the Royal Society (49%).
The UK SCOR committee is responsible for delivering a key component of the Challenger Society strategy by ‘maximising the contribution of UK scientists to international ocean science efforts’. Over the period 2024-29, this will be achieved by (i) providing annual reviews of working group proposals and feeding back suggestions for best practice, (ii) compiling data on the engagement of UK scientists with SCOR activity and (iii) highlighting gaps on the committee and developing a new calls for membership as appropriate in association with the Challenger EDIA group. The UK SCOR group meets twice a year, once in person and once online to work towards these goals. The committee consists of a chair, vice chair, at least two early career members and at present two additional regular members. Early career members have their participation in the in person meeting supported by the Challenger Society.
The full terms of reference of the UK SCOR committee, including terms of service can be found here: https://www.challenger-society.org.uk/SCOR_Terms_of_Reference
As part of our work, the UK SCOR committee is calling for new applications for membership. In particular, we are looking to recruit an additional early career member (https://www.challenger-society.org.uk/ecr_definition) and regular member.
Application procedure
Please register your statement of interest (maximum 500 words) using this form: https://forms.gle/jDMUHuTxBudWRc9s8 - by 1700GMT on the 1st of November 2024.
Evaluation criteria
It is essential that the candidate holds a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline and is enthusiastic about becoming engaged with the role of SCOR in UK marine science. Desirable characteristics would include experience of working on collaborative projects, multi-disciplinarity, science communication, or building networks. Experience with SCOR and its activities would be advantageous, but not essential. A CV is not required.
The UK SCOR committee will evaluate all applications.
Current committee composition:
Alessandro Tagliabue (Chair)
Alex Poulton (Co-Chair)
Will Homoky (regular member)
Malcolm Woodward (regular member)
Alice Marzocchi (ECR member)
Alistair Lough (ECR member)
Latest News
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
Potential Availability of NERC Ship Time During the 25/26 Programme Year
The NERC Marine Facilities Programme for 2025/2026 for the RRS Discovery and the RRS James Cook has been published on the Marine Facilities Planning website.
The RRS Discovery programme currently contains a 79 day alongside slot between the 2nd of November 2025 and the 19th of January 2026, which is available for science delivery if funded science projects can make use of this time. Due to the location of the vessel, the ship is most likely to be able to deliver fieldwork in the North and East Atlantic regions. Some support for science capability within the National Marine Equipment Pool is potentially available, although there is no capacity for use of autonomous vehicles or remotely operated vehicles. Any fieldwork within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) will need the appropriate diplomatic clearance submitted to coastal states at least 6 months in advance, and to NMF with sufficient lead time for processing via the FCDO.
If interested in making use of this ship time, please contact NERC Marine Planning (marineplanning@nerc.ukri.org) ASAP to start discussions.
THE MARINE FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD – CAN YOU HELP?
The Marine Facilities Advisory Board advises the National Oceanography Centre on marine facilities and services, including the Natural Environment Research Council’s National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP), the British Oceanographic Data Centre and the British Ocean Sediment Core Research Facility.