Plymouth University and Plymouth Marine Laboratory to further understanding of marine environment
Two internationally renowned marine research organisations have forged a partnership that will see their world-leading experts collaborating on a series of innovative projects.
Plymouth University and the Plymouth Marine Laboratory will combine to share their expertise on a number of projects, aimed at enhancing our understanding of topics including climate change, renewable energy and marine ecosystems.
Both partners will also aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, through a collaborative and innovative training programme, encompassing a range of learning and development opportunities.
The Plymouth University and Plymouth Marine Laboratory partnership has been formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Professor Martin Attrill, Director of the Marine Institute at Plymouth University, said: “Plymouth University and Plymouth Marine Laboratory have a longstanding collaborative relationship, working together now for many years on globally relevant research projects. We are therefore delighted to formalise this partnership and work even closer together in going forward, combining our world leading marine expertise to address the grand challenges of today and into the future.”
Professor Stephen de Mora, Chief Executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory, said: “We are pleased to reinforce our relationship with Plymouth University through this Memorandum of Understanding, thereby building upon many years of research projects between our scientists. Whilst our organisations are located in Plymouth, we both work internationally and our research has global application, with the specific topics identified being highly relevant and important to society as a whole.”
The new partnership will be officially launched at an event in February 2014, with experts collaborating initially on four research projects covering:
- Quantifying fine scale coastal physics in support of renewable energy research, in particular further knowledge of the physical and engineering challenges surrounding tidal energy;
- Predicting and estimating the impact of environmental change on marine organisms and ecosystems – to analyse marine populations and habitats and how they react to changes in their surroundings;
- Ocean and coastal biogeochemistry – to develop a greater understanding of the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of our oceans;
- Marine environment socio-economics – to enhance appreciation of the economic and social benefits of marine ecosystems.
The University and PML will also join forces to increase the range of opportunities for graduates, using their combined expertise to enhance a world-class platform for the training and development of the next generation of scientists.
Plymouth University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Purcell said: “Establishing this Memorandum between the University and PML is a really important signal about the significance we both attach to our relationship and to driving world-class research together.”
