150 Anniversary celebration drinks reception at the House of Lords, bringing together staff, students, alumni, honorary graduates and friends of the University

Science of Cocktails

University of Plymouth and Plymouth SciBar co-hosted a Science of Cocktails event at the Plymouth Gin Distillery - to celebrate both the University's 150th and Plymouth SciBar's 10th anniversaries.

Noel Jackson, Head of Education at Newcastle's Life Science Centre, presented on the science and history of gin and cocktails after which the Plymouth 150 cocktail was officially launched.

The University shares a strong naval link with partners Plymouth Gin who very kindly offered to develop a cocktail for our special anniversary that captures the essence of this shared heritage.

The Distillery's mixologist, Matt Green, wove together an unusual array of ingredients to create the special 150 cocktail from locally sourced ingredients, including clotted cream and apple juice.

Alumni House of Lords event

On 17 July 2012 100 guests attended a drinks reception at the House of Lords hosted by Lord Kestenbaum, an honorary graduate of the University. The prestigious invite-only event brought together staff, students, alumni, honorary graduates and friends of the University to celebrate our 150th anniversary. 

Lord Kestenbaum opened the evening with a welcome address, before Professor Wendy Purcell talked about exciting recent developments including the brand new state-of-the-art marine building, and thanked all supporters of the University. 

Anniversary service

Our 150th Anniversary Celebration Service was held in St. Andrews Church on 16 September 2012. This was a special service to celebrate and give thanks for the work of University of Plymouth, our partners and the marine and maritime environment.

Navigation conference

The Navigation Conference, held at University of Plymouth, was a two day conference focusing on the art and science of marine navigation. Marine navigation is once again going through a period of rapid change with developments in electronic technology including the Electronic Chart and Information System (ECDIS) and e-navigation. 

The conference glanced back to identify the need for a school of navigation in the mid 19th century, and focused on present and future issues, recognising the importance of accurate navigation in society. Thematic sessions in the conference covered issues such as modern techniques in making the chart, the continuing need for navigation aids, developments in position fixing, the human interface, simulation, training and ‘future horizon scanning’.

This event was also part of the Plymouth Marine City Festival.

Oceans of Potential Conference

The Oceans of Potential Conference was held at the Graduation Marquee on Plymouth Hoe on 11 and 12 September 2012.

The Conference brought together stakeholders from a broad range of disciplines to discuss the transition to a new marine economy and to place marine science at the heart of an exciting vision of the future. Speakers for the conference included:

  • Dr Wendy Watson-Wright, Assistant Director-General, UNESCO and Executive Secretary Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
  • Dr Jacquie McGlade, Director of the European Environment Agency
  • Professor Duncan Wingham, Chief Executive of the Natural Environment Research Council
  • Dr Susan Avery, President and Director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Science and Technology showcase

The annual Science and Technology Showcase took place in the graduation marquee on Plymouth Hoe in September 2012. This event allowed visitors to try some of our hands-on activities and research, including:

  • A chance to see our award-winning robots
  • Opportunities to get inside your head with our School of Psychology
  • DNA electrophoresis made easy
  • Walk like a dinosaur
  • Playtest demos of new games
  • Explore the depths of the ocean and the history of our planet
  • Get up close and personal with nature

This event showcased the breadth of activity and expertise that exists at the University within the Science and Technology disciplines and reflected on areas that are covered in both teaching and research activities.

This event was also a part of the Plymouth Marine City Festival.

PYNDA weekend

A weekend of events was held to celebrate the 150th anniversary since the founding of Plymouth’s School of Navigation on 15 and 16 September. The weekend was for all those who have been involved in Nautical Education training at Plymouth, including former officer cadets, officers, undergraduates and postgraduates.

The weekend included visits to the University Campus, a Plymouth Sound Cruise as well as our 150th Anniversary Service.