Professor Ed Hill is Chief Executive of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) having been appointed as Executive Director in 2010, previously holding the position of Director at NOC since 2005 and the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (NERC) in Liverpool 1999-2005. Professor Hill has served and continues to serve on numerous national and international advisory bodies, including: the International Steering Group of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), the European Marine Board (EMB), the cross UK Government UK Marine Science Coordination Committee (MSCC), the Governing Board of the National Partnership for Ocean Prediction (NPOP).

Professor Hill’s research background is in physical oceanography, specialising in the circulation of continental shelf seas and participated in over 20 research ship expeditions, half of these as Principal Scientist. Professor Hill received his MSc and PhD degrees in oceanography from Bangor University and his BSc in applied mathematics from the University of Sheffield, and subsequently recognised by both universities with the award of an Honorary Fellowship (Bangor) and an Honorary Doctorate of Science (Sheffield). He was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to environmental sciences.

 

1. How is your business adapting to the challenges of these uncertain times?

Like many organisations we had to adapt quickly to home working which we found worked well.  A lot of science could be done remote which reduced the amount of staff working onsite.  We found that engagement in large meetings was easier to manage when run as a remote event.

However, the biggest challenge was operating the research vessels which required scaling back.  We made the most of this opportunity by having a period of maintenance with ship refits over the summer and were able to resume the expedition programme from September 2020, with reduced scientific parties involved.

We put in various layers of protection including the use of quarantining and made use of testing as and when it became available.

We continued to develop technology for ocean observations but the ability to test and trial is something we are looking forward to resuming as things get back to normal.  Ultimately, science is a creative and social business that benefits largely from interaction with each other.

 

2. Please tell us more about how you are supporting your teams and/or local communities?

• Wellbeing programme – webinars, EAP, newsletters, virtual Pilates
• Staff trained in wellbeing to be point of contact for those who need it
• Open staff meeting – regular communication
• Regular check ins from line managers to staff
• Flexible working – allowances for home schooling
• Encouraging staff to look after mental health – encouraging daily walks, being flexible in work, not to stress about achieving as much as they would in normal circumstances
• We provided PPE to local hospitals during the first wave, which were printed at our facility by our staff

 

3. How do you think the industry will change? Are there potential opportunities?

Our primary focus is research and development.  We are likely to see more flexible working in the future and we had already been looking to limit extensive travel, especially internationally, to reduce our carbon footprint.  The restrictions on travel has given us an opportunity to participate in large international conferences remotely without the need to travel.  We do expect to see more remote communications, although for early career researchers, networking face to face is extremely beneficial.

The pandemic also seems to have made the public more aware of the role of science.  Science has clearly been important for providing solutions to the pandemic, and I think there is a great respect for science being used to deliver solutions.

 

4. What do you think are the main challenges ahead?

The scientific advice given to Government during the pandemic has underpinned some unpopular choices e.g. lockdown, which had an enormous impact on lives and businesses.  Consequently, public and media has had a closer scrutiny on what scientists are saying, questioning the data and conclusions drawn from epidemical models.  This is not necessarily a bad thing.  Science based advice into government may expect greater public scrutiny especially when leading to major impacts on peoples like such as NET ZERO/green energy transition.

The main challenge, in a nutshell, is to continue great science with increased public interest and scrutiny at the same time recognising science is less about facts and more about uncertainty and therefore navigating the uncertainty of decision making based in science advice which is based on incomplete information.

 

5. What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Seeing great science being done by very bright people across the institute and watching early career researchers develop and grow – making a real impact.

 

6. And the most challenging?

Recognising the scale and importance of what needs to be done to measure, observe and understand the ocean.  Whilst the recognition that sea blindness (out of sight, out of mind) means that securing the resources to be able to do this is a continual challenge.

 

7. Who or what inspires you to be even better?

When I’m feeling frustrated, one of the best things is to take a walk around the building.  I always learn something new from someone who perhaps has just discovered something or got an interesting idea about something.  I’m inspired by their enthusiasm.  I go back to my desk thinking, “Yes, this is totally worth it”.

 

8. Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know.

I’ve climbed the Old Man of Hoy, a 449-foot (137-metre) sea stack.  8 hours up 2 hours down – not a world record!

 

9. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

By my former boss once said: “I expect my Directors to direct. If you screw up, come and tell me.  I won’t blame you, I just need to know.  If you screw up repeatedly, I might begin to question your judgement.”

 

10. What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

Anything is possible.  Don’t limit yourself or your own ambitions.  If you put your mind to it, it’s possible.

 

11. Why is innovation so vital to the ocean technology sector?

The ocean is an economic, environmental, geopolitical and technological frontier and we need new technologies to both measure and operate in the ocean, in ways that enable us to operate at scale and to have a continuous presence in the ocean.  The technology that enables us to do this, are the technologies of the future, e.g. robotics, communications, autonomy, AI and big data analysis.  These are the only things that are absolutely essential.

 

12. How important is Ocean Business to the ocean technology sector? Why would you recommend a visit?

As the CEO of the National Oceanography Centre, I would say it was very important and a unique opportunity to bring people together from across the industry; to be actually able to undertake hands-on demos of equipment in the water, with conferences and networking opportunities and with the opportunity to informally socialise and engage in the city of Southampton.  All taking place in one of the top research institutions.

With a really great atmosphere, I definitely recommend a visit!  If you come once, you will be back.