Our contribution to the UN Ocean Conference

Our ocean, our future, our responsibility. Learn more about our engagement in the 2025 UN Ocean Conference
Both over and under the water, Coastline of the Caribbean, Basse Terre, Guadeloupe, French Caribbean. getty 1124263285
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    Nice, France

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The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference aims to support the implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The overarching theme of the Conference is 'Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean'.
Held in Nice, France between 9–13 June 2025, University of Plymouth researchers, along with colleagues from the Marine Research Plymouth Alliance, will participate to enable evidence-based decision-making to protect ocean health and sustainability.
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Our academic delegation

Deborah Greaves Invenite
Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng
One of the country's foremost experts in offshore renewable energy, Deborah is Director of the University's COAST Laboratory, which is one of Europe's leading facilities driving innovation in wind, tidal and wave technologies.
Professor Richard Thompson
Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS
A world-renowned marine scientist whose pioneering research has reshaped our understanding of plastic pollution. Named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2025, Richard's work has driven global policy changes – from the UK ban on microbeads in cosmetics to ongoing discussions for a Global Plastics Treaty.
 

Special Event of UNOC3

One Ocean Science Congress

3–6 June 2025, Nice, France
The One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) is a Special Event held in support of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC). Organised by CNRS and IFREMER, it serves as the scientific foundation for UNOC in order to generate science-based outcomes and recommendations to support global discussions. University of Plymouth researchers will deliver the latest evidence in specialist areas such as marine biodiversity, offshore renewable energy, plankton dynamics and pelagic ecosystem services.
Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng is an International Science Committee and organising member of OOSC. The Committee will draft recommendations for policy makers at UNOC Ocean Action Panels.
Atlantic Ocean wide
 
 

Official side events

 

The UN Treaty to End Plastic Pollution: Robust Science for Success

10 June 2025, 12:00–15:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST), Jules Barrois Auditiorium, Institut de la Mer de Villefranche-sur-mer, Nice, France | Event ID: 0260
Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS moderates two 'fireside chats' between scientists, plastics experts, and policy-makers about how we can reduce, and ultimately eliminate, plastics pollution.
Lead organisation: Sorbonne University.
Microplastics on the beach
 
 
 

'Ask a scientist' – what does the science tell us is essential for a successful global plastic pollution treaty?

12 June 2025, 15:00–16:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST), The Whale, Palais des Expositions (Exhibition Hall), Nice, France
A global treaty to end plastic pollution is currently under negotiation; what are the requirements for success? This event, organised by the University of Plymouth and the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, and moderated by Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS , aims to help answer your questions.
 
 
 

Onewater: Young professionals’ debate – Is it already too late to save our oceans? Letters to the Seas

12 June 2025, 18:00–20:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST), the METEOR, Nice, France
Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS joins a panel giving young people a voice at the heart of the UN Ocean Conference and making responsibility tangible. The event brings together science, politics, business and civil society for a shared future for the oceans.

Explore our research and policy impact

United Nations

Supporting the United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution

Abstract image of a hand holding planet earth with symbols around it. 

Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy

Plastic litter washed up on beach with tree

International Marine Litter Research Unit

Strategic Research Institutes

Our diverse research spans three Strategic Institutes. Collaborative endeavour in rich, natural environments drives solutions to global challenges.

Close-up wave

Marine Institute
Marine, maritime, education and innovation expertise integrates to train scientists, engineers, policymakers, artists, technicians and business.

Aerial view from high altitude of little planet earth with small village houses and distant green cultivated agricultural fields with growing crops on bright summer evening

Sustainable Earth Institute
Transformations in life course, ageing, methodologies, e-health, technology and interventions in health, social care, lifestyle, health and wellbeing.

PIHR abstract medical pharmacy healthcare innovative concept background

Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR)
Science, engineering, arts, humanities, health and business, with community, businesses and individuals, innovate to build resilience for our planet.

Event photography and video

Please be aware that some of the University of Plymouth's public events (both online and offline) may be attended by University staff, photographers and videographers, for capturing content to be used in University online and offline marketing and promotional materials, for example webpages, brochures or leaflets. If you, or a member of your group, do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please let a member of staff know.