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
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