Marine Science and Policy Special Interest Group
An increasing number of scientists are using their research to influence legislation, policy and public opinion. This can be through a wish to be “useful” to society, or the external pressure upon researchers to generate “impact” from their research - both from grant funding agencies (e.g. EU, NERC), and, within higher education institutes, for the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Many scientists, particularly at the start of their career, find it difficult to know how they may increase the societal impact of their work, outside of involvement in activities such as “World Oceans Day” type events. There is so much more to become involved in, in particular activities leading to an influence on legislation and policy.
The Marine Science and Policy SIG seeks to:
- Provide a forum for researchers interested in, or wishing to be involved in, influencing policy and legislation on a regional, national and/or international scale.
- Enthuse scientists, particularly early career researchers, about becoming involved in influencing policy.
- Advise scientists wanting to become involved in policy work on dissemination methods, common challenges, and potential funding opportunities.
- Host regular meetings for researchers working in aspects of policy, or wishing to become involved.
- Stimulate collaboration opportunities between Challenger members.
The Marine Science and Policy SIG is aimed at UK-based marine scientists involved in, or interested in, influencing legislation, policy and public opinion. The group is multidisciplinary, open to scientists working in any aspect of marine research.
How can you get involved in the SIG?
You can join our mailing list here here and we will let you know about future opportunities to be involved, including networking meetings, workshops and training events.
Recent activities:
September 2015 – Marine Science and Policy SIG meeting, ICES ASC, Copenhagen. Tuesday 22nd September 2015, 1pm-3pm. Room Vesterbro Torv (2nd floor of the conference centre).
September 2016 – Marine Science and Policy SIG meeting, Challenger Conference, Liverpool.
September 2018 – Marine Science and Policy SIG sponsored workshop, Challenger Conference, Newcastle.
Updated 14/10/2019
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.