Southampton scientists to showcase ocean research at Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition
Scientists from the University of Southampton and the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton will showcase the broad spectrum of their ocean scientific research at the Royal Society’s annual Summer Science Exhibition which opens today (30 June 2009).
The University’s ‘Science of the Oceans’ exhibit is interactive and highlights ground-breaking research into many aspects of the ocean environment, from developing robust and versatile underwater vehicles to analysing the sounds of the oceans.
There are six modules, including several large-scale projects, from deep-sea exploration to predicting climate change, which help explain what’s going on in the deep seas around the world. The display will change on a daily basis and visitors to the stand will be able to:
- Pilot an industrial remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) to search for and collect sample organisms;
- ‘See’ like a dolphin using the interactive echolocation demonstration;
- Predict what the future holds for the Great Atlantic Conveyor and the impact on our climate based on the RAPID Climate Change project;
- Find out how modern technology is revolutionising the way we study the oceans.
Dr Steve Dorney from the University of Southampton comments: “This exhibit is a great opportunity to see and experience contemporary ocean science in action. Our aim is to provide a fun, informative and interactive encounter with some of the latest research in ocean science.”
Dr Tony Curran, ‘Science of the Oceans’ co-ordinator, adds: “The ‘Science of the Oceans’ stand presents visitors with an insight into cutting-edge research topics being studied at the University of Southampton and the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. There is so much going on in the world’s oceans, and so little of it has been observed or understood. The oceans can provide food, adventure and a source of renewable energy, but they can also be a powerful and dangerous force.”
The scientists will be on hand at the exhibition, which runs from 30 June to 4 July, to guide visitors through the interactive displays and provide them with an insight into the cutting-edge research at the University of Southampton.
The Science of the Oceans stand is the culmination of the University’s ‘Oceans on Wheels’ roadshow, which has been touring schools, colleges and science festivals across the region since March.