University showcases maritime expertise

The event, which attracted over 160 delegates, brought together leaders from the marine industry, government scientists and administrators, experts from civic bodies and museums with University researchers to showcase innovative research and collaborative opportunities for the marine industry to solve social, economic and environmental challenges.

Professor Ajit Shenoi, Chair of the University’s Maritime Studies Strategic Research Theme, commented: “Our strength and depth in maritime expertise, places us as the premier marine university in the UK. At this event we were able to showcase many of the diverse areas spanning ship science, oceanography, maritime archaeology and maritime law. Whilst we already have a high level of industrial engagement in this sector, the event has led to new partnerships which will no doubt take us into new areas of research.”

The University of Southampton is showcasing its innovative marine research and world-leading maritime related courses at this year’s Southampton Boat Show – the largest on-water boat show in Europe (11 to 20 September). Visitors to the University’s stand (stand F25), which features hands-on exhibits and video footage, can try their hand at a high-speed craft simulator and navigate a model underwater vehicle around a challenging course.

After last year’s successful appearance, RV Callista, the University’s state-of-the-art research vessel, will again be taking visitors on board to show them how the oceans work using hands-on marine science activities and competitions. Participants will get the chance to take a closer look at animal and plant life in the region’s coastal waters, find out about the ecology of the seabed and the effects of climate change, as well as the impact of humans on the oceans. RV Callista is moored at Berth 520.

Also on offer is information on the University’s comprehensive range of marine related courses – from ship science to marine biology.

For businesses, there are opportunities to find out how the University’s expertise and world-leading facilities could benefit the marine industry and explore various options for collaboration.

Ends

Notes for editors:

1. The attached image shows (l-r) Professor Ed Hill, Director of the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton; University of Southampton Vice-Chancellor Designate Professor Don Nutbeam, University Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Phillip Nelson; Stephen Payne, OBE RDI, Vice President Chief Naval Architect, Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding Southampton; Professor Ajit Shenoi

2. The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship across a wide range of subjects in engineering, science, social sciences, health and humanities.

With over 22,000 students, around 5000 staff, and an annual turnover of more than £370 million, the University of Southampton is acknowledged as one of the country's top institutions for engineering, computer science and medicine. We combine academic excellence with an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to research, supporting a culture that engages and challenges students and staff in their pursuit of learning.

The University is also home to a number of world-leading research centres, including the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, the Optoelectronics Research Centre, the Web Science Research Initiative, the Centre for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease and the Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute.

For further information contact:

Glenn Harris, Media Relations, University of Southampton, Tel: 023 8059 3212, email: G.Harris@soton.ac.uk