SMMI BULLETIN - JUNE 2020
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UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships: application support
Are you considering submitting an application to the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme on a marine or maritime topic? If so we’d like to help support proposals for round 6 (deadline Jan 2021); from having initial discussion of ideas, through to making links across the University to strengthen your application. The SMMI represents a wide ranging network of researchers and associated facilities which could be leveraged in support of your ideas. Get in touch if you would like to arrange a meeting.
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Marine and maritime opportunities through Southampton-led UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub (TAS Hub)
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A partnership led by the University of Southampton with King’s College London and the University of Nottingham was recently awarded the UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub (TAS Hub). The TAS Hub will be the focal point for the overarching Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (TAS) Programme, the UKRI’s flagship Artificial Intelligence/Autonomous Systems research programme. The TAS Hub will lead programmes of research, advocacy & engagement, and skills training, and coordinate and work with the seven research nodes (to be awarded) each focussed on a particular theme: trust, responsibility, resilience, security, functionality, verifiability and governance & regulation. The Hub is run by a consortium composed of over 30 academics and 60 partners. Read more here.
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Public Policy|Southampton facilitates knowledge exchange between MCA and the SMMI
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Public Policy|Southampton (PPS) has been working in partnership with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute (SMMI) to create knowledge exchange opportunities for University of Southampton staff and students. These opportunities will support the evidence needs of the MCA and enhance the policy impact of the University’s wide-ranging academic expertise in the challenges confronting maritime industries, ports, the environment and wider society. Initial scoping and project development from PPS has led to the creation of two 3-month placement opportunities to conduct a literature review on emission reduction technologies as applicable to the maritime industry. One of the research intern positions will be taken up by SMMI's Leverhulme Trust “Understanding Maritime Futures” Doctoral scholar Natasha Easton with the other position awarded to Dr Lina Maria Zapata. Read more here.
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SMMI expert Blair Thornton to use autonomous techniques to survey decommissioned offshore infrastructure in the North Sea
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A NERC project Autonomous Techniques for anthropogenic Structure Ecological Assessment (AT-SEA) was funded at £900k with £200k to SMMI's Blair Thornton. The collaborative project will deploy the National Oceanography Centre’s Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Boaty McBoatface equipped with the UoS BioCam seafloor visual mapping instrument to survey de-commissioned offshore infrastructure in the North sea. Although AUVs normally are deployed from ships for missions lasting <24h, this project will deploy and recover the AUV from shore, where it will travel close to 1000km over 10days to survey 3 sites with no ship support. Research challenges will include generating remote awareness of the AUV’s condition and seafloor observations over low bandwidth satellite communications. Demonstrating this capability without a crewed research ship to support operations offers significant cost and carbon emission savings, and will pave the way for more scalable autonomous operations for decommissioning of offshore oil and gas infrastructure in the future. Read more here.
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Erosion of ozone layer responsible for mass extinction event
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John Marshall and a team of researchers in the School of Ocean & Earth Science have shown that an extinction event 360 million years ago, that killed much of the Earth’s plant and freshwater aquatic life, was caused by a brief breakdown of the ozone layer that shields the Earth from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is a newly discovered extinction mechanism with profound implications for our warming world today.
There have been a number of mass extinction in the geological past. Only one was caused by an asteroid hitting the Earth which was 66 million years ago when the dinosaurs became extinct. Three of the others, including the end Permian Great Dying, 252 million years ago, were caused by LIPS (Large Igneous Provinces) that are continental scale volcanic eruptions of sufficient magnitude to destabilise the Earth’s atmospheres and oceans.
Now, scientists have found evidence showing it was high levels of UV radiation which collapsed forest ecosystems and killed off many species of fish and tetrapods (our four limbed ancestors) at the end of the Devonian geological period, 359 million years ago. This damaging burst of UV radiation occurred as part of one of the Earth’s climate cycles, rather than being caused by a huge volcanic eruption.
The ozone collapse occurred as the climate rapidly warmed following an intense ice age and the researchers suggest that the Earth today could reach comparable temperatures, possibly triggering a similar event. Their findings are published in the journal Science Advances. Read more here.
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University of Southampton Micro-plastics research highlighted by the Optical Society
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An international team of researchers including Engineering and Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute member Blair Thornton and Institute for Life Science members Tomoko Takahashi and Sumeet Mahajan recently published an article that was highlighted by the Optical Society. The paper, published in the Journal Applied Optics, reports a new method to identify different types of microplastic particles in the ocean. Read more here.
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New video highlights PhD opportunities available within the Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering Department (CMEE)
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The Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering Department forms part of the School of Engineering which is home to the largest and most diverse engineering grouping in the UK.
Hear from our researchers to find out how they are helping us to find solutions to global challenges and see how by pursuing a PhD or Internship opportunity in CMEE, you will be part of world leading research. If you would like to join our lively community of postgraduates take a look at here and start your journey towards a global career. Read more here.
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SMMI Experts go online to give God's House Tower talks
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'a space arts' a registered charity based in Southampton have opened their most ambitious project to date, God's House Tower (GHT). This new venue located in Southampton's old town is being culturally reanimated to include the launch of a free series of Friday 'Lunchtime Lectures'. The theme of the programme is 'GHT Beside the sea' and explores the monuments lost connection to the water, the changes in Southampton's coastline that caused this, the city's relationship with the sea along with wider watery subjects. SMMI members have given talks across a breadth of subjects from the way we relate to the sea's natural history to exploring our changing relationship with the sea through time and how taking inspiration from animals will massively improve underwater vehicle engineering. Read more here.
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NOTE: CALLS COMING SOON AND WITH NO DEADLINE, TOWARDS THE END OF THIS SECTION.
EPSRC Marine Wave Energy - LETTERS OF INTENT DUE 14 JULY 2020 - PROPOSAL DEADLINE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020
This supports research that clearly addresses technological challenges related to devices and systems to capture the kinetic energy from marine waves. Proposals should fall mainly under the EPSRC remit but may include integrated social and environmental aspects surrounding the use of wave energy converters. Proposals can be multidisciplinary and address individual or multiple themes. They are expected to engage with key organisations in the energy landscape. Further details here.
Society for Underwater Technology - Educational Support Fund - DEADLINE 31 JULY 2020
This supports postgraduate students who are either starting or continuing a degree related to one area of marine science, underwater technology or offshore engineering. Awards are worth up to £4,000. Further details here.
EPSRC Decarbonising Transport Through Electrification Network Plus (DTE Network+) first funding call - DEADLINE 17 AUGUST 2020
Up to four projects will be awarded on this round. Proposals must be aligned with the scope of the decarbonisation of transport through electrification network work streams and focus on short and medium-term challenges. Further details here.
Royal Academy of Engineering -Research Chairs and Senior Research Fellowships - DEADLINE 3 SEPTEMBER 2020
This scheme aims to strengthen the links between industry and academia by supporting exceptional academics in UK universities to undertake use-inspired research that meets the needs of the industrial partners. Further details here.
JPI Cultural Heritage: ‘Cultural Heritage, Identities and Perspectives'Responding to Changing Societies Joint Call - DEADLINE 22 SEPTEMBER 2020
Applicants are encouraged to collaborate in a cross-disciplinary manner in order to combine knowledge and expertise from the humanities and social sciences, arts, and the technical and/or physical sciences. Interdisciplinary exchange is necessary to develop innovative research into cultural heritage. Further details here.
Royal Society - Entrepreneurs in Residence scheme now open - DEADLINE 25 SEPTEMBER 2020
The scheme aims to increase the knowledge and awareness in UK Universities of cutting-edge industrial science, research and innovation. Overall, the scheme will impact both university research and teaching to enable the successful translation of university research into industry; grow an entrepreneurial culture within universities; and address the skills needs of industry by developing curricula that produce industry-ready graduates. Further details here.
UKRI: Announcement of Opportunity: Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources - DEADLINE 6 OCTOBER 2020
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) are inviting applications to address the objectives of the new Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources (SMMR) research programme. The £12.4m SMMR programme will be jointly delivered by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) on behalf of UKRI, and in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Marine Scotland. Further details here.
Innovate UK - Driving the electric revolution - accelerated supply chain development, strand 1 - CALL EXPECTED TO OPEN 15 JUNE 2020
This supports innovation projects that enable the creation, development and scale up of supply chains in power electronics, machines and drives in the UK. The aim is to support the transition towards a low carbon future in transport, energy and industry. The total eligible costs are worth between £1 million and £3m per project, which must be at least 50 per cent match funded. Further details here.
Marine Stewardship Council - Science and Research Fund - CALL EXPECTED TO OPEN AUTUMN 2020
This supports research projects that help fisheries meet and maintain sustainability best practice. Projects that focus on ghost gear or endangered, threatened and protected species are particularly welcomed. Proposals that have the potential to benefit multiple fisheries and the wider ocean community are also welcomed. Further details here.
NO DEADLINE CALLS:
NERC - International ocean discovery programme – workshop funding support scheme - NO DEADLINE
This supports UK scientists in the organisation of, or participation in, IODP-related workshops, sandpits, training, outreach or other events. Eligible workshops must make use of IODP samples, data or results, or involve planning for the collection of such materials. Further details here.
Overseas Development Assistance Global Challenges Research Fund (ODA-GCRF) - Strategic Development fund - APPLY NOW - NO DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
This fund is a key element of our University’s ODA-GCRF strategy and is made up from a ring-fenced part of our GCRF-Quality Research (QR) allocation, augmented by funds secured from UKRI and other sources. The SDF supports activities that further our University’s ODA-GCRF ambitions and priorities, and that are ODA-compliant. Applications are invited from academic colleagues who are engaged in, or are interested in, getting involved in ODA activities. The application form and guidance can be found here. Enquiries here.
NERC-NSF joint funding - NO DEADLINE
This enables UK and US environmental scientists to collaborate on discovery science projects and tackle global environmental challenges. Proposals must be an integrated UK-US effort to address a research topic of interest to both NERC and a relevant NSF division that would benefit from a collaborative approach. Further details here.
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Please note that due to the Covid-19 coronavirus some of the following events might be postponed or cancelled.
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1 July 2020 - Webinar -3.00pm - INEOS TEAM UK: Developing the ultimate racing monohull for the 36th America's Cup
Nick Holroyd, Chief Designer at INEOS TEAM UK will be the guest speaker for this webinar. Register here to learn how and why digitalization has become paramount in the race to develop the next winning America's Cup yacht.
1-2 July 2020 - RINA - High Speed Vessels online conference
As new environmental regulations arise, ship traffic is placed in the spotlight. High speed vessels are regarded as an alternative to maintain the competitiveness of marine transportation. With an increasingly interest on energy efficiency and environmental impact this higher performance crafts are part of an exciting and everchanging field in marine design. Read more here.
03 July 2020 - God's House Tower Lunchtime Lecture: What has Ocean Engineering Ever Done For Us? - Southampton - Watch online here.
'a space arts' a registered charity based in Southampton and have recently opened their most ambitious project to date God's House Tower (GHT). This new venue located in Southampton's old town is being culturally reanimated to include the launch of a free series of Friday 'Lunchtime Lectures'. The theme of the programme is 'GHT Beside the sea' and explores the monuments lost connection to the water, the changes in Southampton's coastline that caused this, the city's relationship with the sea along with wider watery subjects. This lecture will be given by Susan Gourvenec commencing at 12:30. Read more here.
8-9 July 2020 - 3rd Japan LNG & Gas Virtual Summit
Join hundreds of local, regional and international attendees from across the LNG value chain to engage in live, strategic content sessions and Business 2 Business networking. The virtual event offers an opportunity to learn and share key insights, reconnect with your marketplace and reunite with your community. Read more here.
17 July 2020 - God's House Tower Lunchtime Lecture: Rising Tide - Title to be confirmed - Southampton - - Watch online here.
'a space arts' a registered charity based in Southampton and have recently opened their most ambitious project to date God's House Tower (GHT). This new venue located in Southampton's old town is being culturally reanimated to include the launch of a free series of Friday 'Lunchtime Lectures'. The theme of the programme is 'GHT Beside the sea' and explores the monuments lost connection to the water, the changes in Southampton's coastline that caused this, the city's relationship with the sea along with wider watery subjects. This lecture will be given by Clive Trueman commencing at 12:30. Read more here.
24 July - God's House Tower Lunchtime Lecture: Rising Tide - Title to be confirmed - Southampton - Watch online here.
'a space arts' a registered charity based in Southampton and have recently opened their most ambitious project to date God's House Tower (GHT). This new venue located in Southampton's old town is being culturally reanimated to include the launch of a free series of Friday 'Lunchtime Lectures'. The theme of the programme is 'GHT Beside the sea' and explores the monuments lost connection to the water, the changes in Southampton's coastline that caused this, the city's relationship with the sea along with wider watery subjects. This lecture will be given by Steph Jones commencing at 12:30. Read more here.
31 July 2020 - God's House Tower Lunchtime Lecture: Rising Tide - Oysters in the Solent - Southampton - Watch online here.
'a space arts' a registered charity based in Southampton and have recently opened their most ambitious project to date God's House Tower (GHT). This new venue located in Southampton's old town is being culturally reanimated to include the launch of a free series of Friday 'Lunchtime Lectures'. The theme of the programme is 'GHT Beside the sea' and explores the monuments lost connection to the water, the changes in Southampton's coastline that caused this, the city's relationship with the sea along with wider watery subjects. This lecture will be given by Chris Hauton commencing at 12:30. Read more here.
20-21 August 2020 - Deep-Sea Biology Society’s online conference (eDSBS)
eDSBS is open to everyone in the deep-sea biology community, and talks and posters are welcomed on any subject that fits within our sessions. As the global pandemic has prevented the normal conference cycle this year, the trustees of the Society have decided that priority will be given to early-career researchers who need to present their work as part of their career milestones. However, we are very keen to receive abstracts from everyone to ensure we have a good balance of presenters. Read more here.
9-11 September 2020 - Society and Sea 2020: The Values of the Oceans and Coast - London - CANCELLED
The Greenwich Maritime Centre in partnership with National Maritime and Royal Museums Greenwich is pleased to announce its third biennial conference. The ocean is in crisis and solutios to the many challenges require collaboration and contribution from science, industry, governments and communities. This conference will bring together a diverse international audience to explore the importance of the ocean and how to achieve ocean sustainability. Read more here.
11-14 September 2020 - 18th International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ICWES18) - Warwick
The conference will be structured around the theme ‘Global Humanitarian Challenges’ covering topics such as pollution, renewable energy, sustainable cities, water and sanitation, natural/man-made disasters, education and training in tackling societal challenges. Read more here.
23-24 November 2020 - 1st International Conference on Maritime Education and Development (ICMED) - Durban, South Africa
The purpose of this conference is exchange of knowledge, experiences and ideas in the domain of its thematic areas, with the ultimate goal of generating new knowledge and implementing smart strategies and actions. Read more here.
17 December 2020 - KTN event - Addressing the Challenges of Microfibres - from source of production to environmental contamination - NOCS
This workshop will bring together the key players working to address the microfibre issue across industry, academia and policy to discuss the current research, challenges and solutions. The workshop will combine presentations and discussion sessions to discuss solutions and collaborative approaches to progress this field. Read more here.
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