Ocean science inspires next generation of marine experts, onboard government Research Vessel

Nearly 150 students from Norfolk, London and across the UK explored cutting-edge marine research onboard the 74-metre-long Research Vessel Cefas Endeavour. Initiative opens doors to diverse careers in ocean science while showcasing vital research tackling food security, climate change and pollution. Part of wider efforts to increase diversity in marine science careers, addressing sector’s inclusion challenges.

Potential future marine scientists from across London and Norfolk have gained hands-on experience of ocean research during visits to the government’s 74-metre-long sea-going marine laboratory. RV Cefas Endeavour was temporarily moored alongside HMS Belfast on the River Thames, 1-2 July to offer a unique open-doors experience to selected young people.

Over 80 schoolchildren and 60 university students explored the state-of-the-art RV Cefas Endeavour this week, learning how marine scientists address critical ocean challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

The visits, organised alongside the Future Ocean 25 conference taking place nearby, gave young people direct access to working scientists while showcasing career opportunities in a field crucial to a sustainable economy, improved environment, health and well-being.

Students engaged with researchers to discover how the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquatic Science (Cefas) supports aquatic food security, clean energy, water health and nature recovery. They experienced research equipment first-hand, including smart buoys for data monitoring, underwater cameras, and sediment sampling technology. They also learnt about marine litter monitoring; about the use of AI in Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) for fishery data collection; how we collect fish stock assessment data; mapping of Marine Protected Areas using sonar and water quality surveys.

The initiative forms part of Cefas’ ongoing commitment to increase diversity within aquatic sciences, encouraging students from all backgrounds to pursue careers in this vital field, which recent studies show are among the least diverse university courses in the UK. *

Little Ilford School’s teacher, Mr Obembe said, “It’s been a really educational opportunity for students to be onboard the Cefas Endeavour and to meet real marine scientists. It’s especially good for our students to get insights into different career pathways which I think is a game changer for them.”

Professor Grant Stentiford, Cefas Chief Scientist, said: “The ocean plays a critical role in providing human societies with the essentials of life but is facing challenges in how we manage it sustainably. Participants at the Future Ocean 25 event are all working to address these challenges. The opportunity for young people to come onboard a scientific research vessel and hear about some of this work will hopefully not only inspire the next generation of aquatic and marine scientists but more broadly highlight just how important a healthy ocean is for our own health and prosperity.”