Marine Institute

Home of world-leading marine research, teaching and innovation
Marine Institute

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

Search marine courses and programmes 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.

Ocean Wave Basin
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
<p>Ocean acidification</p>
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

COP26: Examining the evidence for global action 

The UN Climate Change Convention in 2021 – also known as COP26 – represented the largest coming together of world leaders to address climate change, and find real solutions. The race is truly on to slow climate change and protect our planet, improve global health and re-build post-pandemic economies through a green recovery.

For our part, it is more important than ever that researchers take a whole-systems approach in the search for solutions. We need to address local environmental priorities alongside national and international goals, if net-zero carbon and sustainable blue-green growth is to be achieved. Our researchers share how systems thinking through transdisciplinary research is key to providing evidence for global action ahead of COP26.

Discover #PlymouthPerspectives

Marine Institute news

No longer just ‘famine food’ and the ‘fish of death’

New research by Dr Louise Firth, Associate Professor of Marine Ecology, aims to rewrite the global significance of limpets

16 December 2021

Director of Marine Research Plymouth: Applications open

Play a key role in putting a national and global spotlight on Plymouth as the go-to destination for marine-related research.

We’re appointing a Director for the Marine Research Plymouth partnership, which draws together three world-leading scientific institutions to form the UK’s largest cluster of marine researchers.

This new post will ensure Plymouth is positioned to attract funding for initiatives that advance knowledge and understanding of the ocean while securing investment in research appointments and supporting the sharing of capabilities, equipment and facilities.

Find out more about this exciting opportunity
(APPLICATIONS DEADLINE - 09 FEBRUARY 2022)


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