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About us
We are an interdisciplinary research institute addressing ocean challenges. -
Core team
Meet our directors and core staff. -
Special Interest Groups
Find out about our expert communities working to address topical challenges and how you can join them. -
Partnerships and collaborations
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Research and thought leadership
Discover how we bridge academic divides to produce knowledge through research. -
Influencing policy
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Research projects
Find out what research our community is working on and search past projects. -
Publications
Browse our catalogue of research papers to learn more about the work of our community. -
Facilities
Explore our marine and maritime facilities including specs, galleries, and contacts. -
Our people
Meet our academic experts and learn more about their research. -
Study with us
Learn how we empower our academics to inform policymakers and connect stakeholders. -
News and events
Read about recent successes and findings of our research community.
We are all utterly dependent on the oceans – from the air we breathe to transportation of the food we eat; they are a cornerstone of life. For many societies oceans are a critical part of culture and identity.
Professor Fraser Sturt
Director, SMMI
We must use evidence and insights to inform decisions, ensure a pathway for progressive and just ocean governance, and promote a culture of ocean literacy globally.
Professor Susan Gourvenec
Deputy Director, SMMI
The SMMI is uniquely placed to provide interdisciplinary and full system-scale solutions to the global grand challenges facing our oceans. Our rich history of ocean-facing research and knowledge empowers experts from across disciplines to tackle growing ocean challenges.
Professor Damon Teagle
Ex-Director, SMMI
By embedding research excellence within regional governance and innovation frameworks, the goal is to position both SMMI and the wider Solent area as leaders in coastal resilience, sustainable maritime futures and evidence-led environmental management.
Professor Julian Leyland
Deputy Director, SMMI
In research, I’ve seen how progress accelerates when diverse perspectives come together, not only to solve problems but to decide which challenges matter most. This ability to distinguish what seems important from one viewpoint, from what truly drives progress, is a unique advantage of interdisciplinary collaboration and is what the SMMI is all about.
Professor Blair Thornton
Deputy Director, SMMI
Protecting marine biodiversity
Mapping seagrass in the Western Indian Ocean to boost conservation efforts
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Mapping tomorrow’s population distribution
Research group WorldPop, based at Southampton, is developing maps which can be used to predict the impact of climate change on the distribution of Earth’s population by the end of the century. The maps will provide detailed pictures of humanity by 2100, including predicted population sizes, ages and genders. -
Building greener communities with satellite technology
Scientists at Southampton are using satellite data to assess the carbon production of plants, monitor the Earth’s health, and help create greener, healthier global communities.
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Autonomous ships tackle the high seas and climate change
Tests prove fuel cell vessels can cut shipping’s carbon burden. -
Creating RRS Discovery’s ‘digital twin’
A team led by the University of Southampton has developed a highly accurate 3D representation of the entire research vessel RRS Discovery, shedding light on the lives of Antarctic explorers. -
Linking diamonds with landscape evolution
Researchers are solving one of the most puzzling questions in plate tectonics, by investigating how the Earth’s surface has responded to the breakup of continental plates through time. -
Cutting international shipping carbon emissions
Researchers from Southampton have coordinated sea trials of a 20-metre high wing-sail that could be fitted to large cargo vessels, cutting carbon emissions by a third. -
Targeting childhood vaccines globally
WorldPop, a research group led by Professor Andy Tatem, is revolutionising global health efforts by enabling governments to vaccinate children who were previously unreachable. -
Adapting to warmer waters
Southampton PhD student Karolina Zarzyczny is improving our understanding of the mass movement of marine life in our oceans due to global heating. -
Turning the blight of sargassum seaweed into an economic boon
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Changing the lives of young people through archaeology
The Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project integrated education and research in order to inspire the next generation of STEM students. -
Studying marine animals to evaluate sulphur reduction methods in shipping
A team of Southampton researchers is part of a Europe-wide project to assess whether measures taken by shipping companies to cut air pollution are working or just moving the problem elsewhere. -
Making offshore carbon storage safe
A team of researchers in Southampton played a key role in a European project to determine the viability of safely and securely storing carbon offshore.
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Connect with us
Contact us
Get in touch to find out how you can work with us or join our network of marine and maritime experts.
Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute
Building 176
Boldrewood Innovation Campus
University of Southampton
Southampton
SO16 7QF