A collection of corals from a deep reef in the Red Sea, shining in a rainbow of colours.

Research area

Ocean and earth science

We’re a major European centre for oceanography and marine geoscience. We address key scientific questions to influence policy and practice whether we’re working at the summit of volcanoes or the depths of the ocean. Our interdisciplinary research environment offers excellent centres, groups and facilities.

Research institutes, centres and groups

Biomedical Imaging Unit

We provide research and diagnostic services in high quality, high-resolution light and electron microscopy, specialising in 3D imaging.
Geochemistry

We use advanced facilities to perform the precise and accurate analysis of the chemical and isotopic composition of Earth materials.
Geology and Geophysics

We research a wide range of societally impactful areas of geology and geophysics for a sustainable future. The latest facilities and technology development support our activities.
Marine Biogeochemistry

We research the biogeochemistry of marine systems, both in the open ocean and in shelf seas. We take on societal and global environmental issues.
Marine Biology and Ecology

We focus on understanding the effects of environmental change and human activities on marine ecosystems and biodiversity from the coast to the deep-sea.
NNUF-EXACT
Palaeoceanography and Palaeoclimate

We work all around the world to understand how Earth's climate system works naturally. We use this to predict the ways in which it will respond to human-driven change in the future.
Physical Oceanography

The research group explores patterns of change and variability in satellite and in-situ measurements of surface temperature, sea level and productivity.
Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute

We work with partner organisations to tackle global marine and maritime challenges, from developing green technologies to influencing government policy.

Gavin Foster

Professor of Isotope Geochemistry

Lisa Mcneill

Professor of Tectonics

Jasmin Godbold

Paul Wilson

Phyllis Lam

Bieito Fernandez Castro

Lecturer in Physical Oceanography

Facilities

Fluorescent coral display

Coral reef laboratory

Coral reef science: inspiring awareness of the need to protect marine ecosystems.

Organic geochemistry wet laboratory

Organic geochemistry laboratories

We have a dedicated sample preparation lab, wet chemistry lab space, and an instrumentation lab.

An academic and PhD researcher discussing standing beside an aquarium tank as they examine a specimen from inside.

Research aquarium

Our multi-purpose research aquarium houses a variety of tanks and facilities for keeping and handling live specimens.

Radiochemistry facility

NNUF-EXACT is a centre for radiochemistry. We provide research and training in the accelerated nuclear characterisation and remediation technologies.

Callista research vessel

Research vessel

R.V.Callista based at NOCS, is available to staff and students of Ocean and Earth Science

One researcher doing a flume experiment examining flow over seagrass mimics

Coastal Research Laboratories

The Coastal Research Laboratories are dedicated to the study of coastal, estuarine and shelf sea hydrodynamics and sediment transport, and interactions between flow, sediment, ecosystems and infrastructure.