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
Socio-oceanography Workshop sets sights on key climate and ocean challenges
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is calling on scientists and researchers to participate in its fourth annual Socio-Oceanography Workshop, hosted in collaboration with the Marine Social Science Network.
This international event, set to take place at NOC’s Southampton site 26-28 February 2025, will gather experts across natural and social sciences to tackle the pressing issues linking people and the changing ocean.
This year’s workshop will focus on four key themes, including the impact of climate change-driven shifts in marine species distribution and how these changes will affect the way the UK marine environment is perceived, valued, and managed.
Other topics include integrating digital humans into environmental digital twins, addressing biases in research related to marine carbon dioxide removal, and exploring how local communities can engage in participatory environmental monitoring.
FMRI Lead Scientist Opportunity
The FMRI programme is now recruiting for a new Lead Scientist. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in helping to shape the UK’s future marine research capability.
The team are looking for someone who can connect with scientists and engineers to help define the best strategies for exploiting new technologies. Someone who is excited about new opportunities for marine research and can think across the big challenges. Someone who can peer over the horizon and imagine a different way of doing things.
FMRI is seeking to fund at least 50% of the Lead Scientist’s time to work as a key member of the programme leadership team.
I would be grateful if you could forward the attached flyer to your networks and encourage potential candidates to apply for this important role.
For an informal discussion, please contact the team via: info@fmri.ac.uk
For more information or to apply, please visit: www.fmri.ac.uk/recruit/lead-scientist
Applications close: 28th November, 2024
Applications for AGU Vice Chair for 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting
The AGU is currently inviting applications for a Vice Chair to help lead the Organising Committee for the 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting, to be hosted in Glasgow in 2026. Applications consist of a CV and expression of interest, to be received by 18 October 2024.
The biennial Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM) is jointly convened by the American Geophysical Union (AGU), Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) and The Oceanography Society (TOS). The OSM is overseen by a Program Committee responsible for the scientific content of the meeting as well as ancillary events, plenary speakers, and award ceremonies. The Program Committee is composed of a Chair and Vice Chair selected by each of the three participating societies. This advertisement is for the AGU Vice Chair position.
https://www.agu.org/plan-for-a-meeting/agumeetings#vicechairosm26