Marine Institute

Home of world-leading marine research, teaching and innovation

Our mission is to advance sustainable use of the marine environment through our systems-thinking approach to research, education and innovation.

With one of the largest marine and maritime portfolios of any institution in Europe, we have a long-held and outstanding international reputation for conducting world-leading, transdisciplinary research.

Through this, with our partners and collaborators, we are developing and optimising positive interventions in response to global challenges, while training the scientists and business leaders of the future.

We have joined forces with the Marine Biological Association and Plymouth Marine Laboratory to launch Marine Research Plymouth. Collectively, we host the largest number of marine scientists in any UK city and establish Plymouth as an international centre of excellence for marine research.

Below the surface

Explore our research
Advancing knowledge on topics including climate change, offshore renewable energy, storm impacts, maritime cybersecurity, habitat protection and biodiversity, the blue economy and more

Collaborate with us
Connecting industry with academic expertise to develop innovative real-world solutions and provide business support

Search marine courses and programmes
Educating over 2,500 students annually with one of the broadest selections of marine and maritime courses available in Europe

World number one for marine impact

Award-winning recognition for our contributions to marine research and teaching

Research highlights and top stories

From first coining the word ‘microplastics’ to leading the UK’s offshore renewable energy consortium and launching world-first maritime cybersecurity facilities, our researchers are making headlines in the pursuit of healthy, resilient oceans.

Research investigates effectiveness of flexible materials in wave energy devices

<p>Releasing_tagged_bass_into_water_near_Salcombe_as_part_of_the_iBass_project__Credit_Matt_Doggett_square<br></p>

€4 million project uses cutting-edge technology to enhance the habitats of key fish species

Study demonstrates reductions in CO₂ could boost the recovery of marine life

<p>Dr Imogen Napper with Dr Anju Baroth, of the Wildlife Institute of India, who joined the expedition’s water team for a day of sediment and water sampling in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh<br></p>

Combined flows send up to 3 billion microplastics a day into Bay of Bengal

Marine Institute news

Study highlights how humans and nature are causing significant changes to the health of global rivers

New research shows rivers such as the Amazon, Mississippi and Congo are seeing increased levels of solutes such as calcium and potassium

12 October 2021

Study reveals abundance of microscopic paint flakes in the North Atlantic
The research suggests the material is second only in terms of recorded abundance to microplastic fibres

7 October 2021
Maritime rope could be adding billions of microplastics to the ocean every year
The study is the first to explore the potential for rope to become a source of microplastic pollution in the marine environment

22 September 2021
Futures2021 festival of discovery returns to Plymouth
Held as part of European Researchers Night, a range of in-person and online events will feature academics from the University of Plymouth

16 September 2021
Consortium submits plan to confirm South West’s status as a global leader in ocean technology innovation
The Ocean Futures programme identifies key strengths in fields including marine autonomy, digital innovation and clean maritime

16 September 2021
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