Offshore trials demonstrate capabilities of new autonomous underwater sensor systems
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Engineers and scientists from the University of Southampton and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) have recently returned from trials of new, state-of-the-art ocean biogeochemical sensors integrated with autonomous vehicles.
The offshore trials took place last month and successfully demonstrated and evaluated three sensor suites for autonomous measurements of: ocean nutrients, carbon chemistry, and the activity of marine phytoplankton that contribute approximately half the photosynthesis on the planet. Deploying the sensors on the Autosub Long Range (ALR) platform (aka ‘Boaty McBoatFace’) developed by the NOC, the expedition demonstrated the value of the entire sensor-vehicle platform as a novel scientific tool.
SMMI member, Professor Mark Moore and Principal Scientist on the cruise from the University of Southampton, said: “The multiple groups of scientists and engineers on board were really excited to finally be able to demonstrate the capabilities of these new integrated sensor systems. It was really interesting to think about how these new tools will enable different ways of observing and monitoring the oceans in an autonomous and low carbon manner”.
The UK-Government funded Oceanids programme is developing autonomous technologies that will equip the UK with a world-class net zero oceanographic research infrastructure. The programme, led by the NOC, partners with the University of Southampton and the University of Exeter and has been developing a suite of novel sensors capable of high-quality, real-time analysis of a wide range of biogeochemical parameters in the ocean.
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Centre of Excellence to help the maritime sector reduce its emissions is soon to launch
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The Data-centric Engineering for Clean Oceans (DECO) will bring together researchers from a range of disciplines, focused on maximising the benefits of the data being collected in service to decarbonise the maritime sector. It builds on a number of strengths at the University of Southampton to provide immediate reductions in fuel usage across the maritime industry.
The aim is to help create immediate reductions in emissions, as Data-centric approaches are cost effective and easy to install. This is demonstrated by a growing number of software developments at the University of Southampton, already released into industry and making a real-world difference. In the longer-term these tools will be vital in reducing the cost of net-zero fuels and in providing a loop back to design for further efficiency savings.
The Centre, led by expert Adam Sobey and co-directors: Dominic Hudson, Tim Norman, Rand Ismaeel and Tom Cherrett, will work with the SMMI to bring together researchers from a broad range of disciplines interested in helping the Maritime Industry Decarbonise. Read more here.
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SMMI meets the Governor General of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Her Excellency, Dame Susan Dougan GCMG OBE
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Vice-Chancellor Mark E. Smith and Dame Susan Dougan
The University was delighted to welcome Her Excellency, Dame Susan Dilys Dougan GCMG OBE the Governor General of St Vincent and the Grenadines, to campus on Monday 14 March. Dame Susan is an alumna of the University, having completed her MA (Education) Curriculum and Evaluation in 1998.
Dame Susan met with members of the University’s senior leadership and academics from Southampton Education School and the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute and toured the Boldrewood Innovation Campus and state-of-the art towing tank. Read more here.
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SMMI Research Fellow Sam Robinson selected as early career lecturer at the European Society for the History of Science Conference
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SMMI's Sam Robinson has been invited to give a lecture at the prestigious European Society for the History of Science Conference (ESHS) in Brussels between 7-10 September 2022. Taking place every two years, the lectures are typically historiographical reflections on the state-of-the-art in the lecturer's field of expertise and are also an expression of the vitality, diversity and creativity of the new generation of historians of science.
Sam's lecture will focus on the historiography of Science Diplomacy. Detailing results from the recent European Research Project, InsSciDE: Inventing a Shared Science Diplomacy for Europe, which Sam has been working as a case study author on since 2018. As well as new work from Sam’s new ERC project, Neworldata: Negotiating World Research Data: A science diplomacy study (2022-7).
All the lectures will be published in the society's journal Centaurus. Read more here.
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SMMI Deputy Director, Susan Gourvenec, participates in roundtable on developing a digital twin of the ocean
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SMMI Deputy Director Susan Gourvenec participated in a round table discussion hosted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) with stakeholders from research, industry and governmental organisations on ambitions for developing a digital twin of the ocean.
The roundtable, which took place in late March at the Institution of Civil Engineers in London, aimed to facilitate an exchange to inform and shape the UK contribution to the development of a powerful tool to understand, manage and maintain our shared marine environment. The event was part of the run-up to the Digital Twin Ocean Summit, being hosted by HM Government over 4 – 5th May 2022.
The Digital Twins of the Ocean Summit will take place in London. In person attendance is now at capacity, but online participation is available. If you are interested, register your interest here.
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SMMI expert comments on hydrogen-powered hydrofoil startup
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Concept foil assist Hydrogen powered ship proposed by Dr Ivo Veldhuis as part of his EngD thesis at Southampton in 2007
In an article recently published in the IEEE Spectrum, startup company Boundary Layer Technologies (BLT) aims to use technological advances of the past 50 years to create Argo, a liquid hydrogen (LH2) hydrofoil cargo vessel, to vie with container ship and airfreight transport. Argo will have around 1.6 megawatt-hours of lithium-ion batteries on board primarily to boost the power needed to raise the hull up to 5 meters above the surface—including the payload of 200 tons, 70 percent more than a Boeing 747-400 freighter. It is designed to have a range of almost 2,800 kilometres, and a cruising speed of 40 knots—twice as fast as container ships, according to BLT.
SMMI expert Stephen Turnock, Professor of Maritime Fluid Dynamics at the University, was invited to comment on BLT’s claims. “In principle, hydrofoils can go faster [than container ships] for the same installed power. But doubling the speed sounds like a marketing line. For many ship voyages, local speed limits restrict the gains that can be made during the high-speed part of the voyage.” Stephen agrees that hydrogen can be operated safely, which is why shipping authorities are looking into developing protocols needed to operate vessels using hydrogen and fuel cells. But he notes that the fast foiling of hydrofoils may create additional hazards, which is why they must also ensure the H2 and fuel-cell systems are sufficiently well protected in the event of a collision. Stephen also points out the world today is moving toward decarbonization and away from the luxury of flying—both of which open up a niche for new emission-free, non-aircraft-based competitors. Read the full article here.
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Turbulence from spawning fish keeps a healthy circulation in coastal waters
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Image: Harrison Haines from Pexels
A new study has shown how fish influence ocean ecosystems in coastal regions, revealing for the first time how they circulate nutrients and oxygen around the waters when they spawn. This process is key to keeping the ecosystems running. a team led by Dr Bieito Fernández Castro, a research fellow at the University of Southampton spent fifteen days monitoring water turbulence in the Ría de Pontevedra, a bay in the north-west coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The researchers used an instrument called microstructure profiler, which measures variations in the ocean current speed and temperature over very small distances. The results, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, showed that increased levels of turbulence and mixing occurred every night, similar to turbulence caused by a major storm, despite the weather staying calm throughout the study. Read more here.
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PhD Studentship opportunity - Centre for Marine Sustainability, Solent University
For 2022/23, Solent University are offering two fully-funded PhD studentships with the Centre for Marine Sustainability, to include fees and annual stipend (one of which will go to a B.A.M.E. UK applicant). Studentships will cover full fees plus an annual stipend. They are currently inviting proposals and applications in the following topic areas:
1. Maritime decarbonisation
2. Science based targets climate change targets for the maritime industry
To informally discuss project proposals and for more information, please contact the Centre Director, Dr Laurie Wright here.
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NOTE: CALLS COMING SOON AND WITH NO DEADLINE, TOWARDS THE END OF THIS SECTION.
UKRI - NERC - Exploring the frontiers of environmental science research 2022 - NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO APPLY DEADLINE 10 MAY 2022
Apply for funding to explore new ideas and approaches that may open up novel paths of research or result in discipline-shifting discovery in environmental science. You can submit a proposal in any area of environmental science. We also welcome multidisciplinary proposals that cross into other research council areas, provided it is predominantly within a research area or subject associated with NERC’s remit. Read more here.
The Solent Forum - Professor Mike Clark Award - Bursary Scheme - DEADLINE 13 MAY 2022
For the 2022 round, we would particularly welcome submissions on the topics of water quality, habitat restoration, the impacts of plastics on marine and coastal environments, building biodiversity into coastal infrastructure and bird disturbance from the use of paddlesports. We are aware of the ongoing difficulties for students completing fieldwork and we will make allowances for this in the timescales for the Award. Read more here.
UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) POST Fellowship 2022 - DEADLINE 22 MAY 2022
POST and the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) are offering a 13-week fellowship to UKRI funded PhD students (not in their first year) whose research is in an energy related field. There is one funded fellowship available. The fellowship is an opportunity for students to gain real-world experience of the translation and communication of research findings to help inform decision making. The fellow will contribute to the activities of Parliament, by working with POST on an area of energy and climate change policy but outside their immediate area of expertise. Read more here.
EPSRC Launches Call to Establish Manufacturing Research Hubs for a Sustainable Future - Stage 1 applications to be submitted by 7 June 2022
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is inviting applicants to establish large-scale, multidisciplinary research hubs focused on manufacturing, environmental sustainability and net zero. The hubs will deliver a programme of innovative research in the engineering and physical sciences related to the challenges in commercialising early stage research, manufacturing and environmental sustainability. They will feature high-quality, multidisciplinary research, strong engagement with relevant manufacturing industries, and will take a leadership role in their national network. Read more here.
NERC - Environmental response to hydrogen emissions - DEADLINE: 16 JUNE 2022
The call has been issued to explore the environmental response to hydrogen emissions. The call is funded by NERC and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The funders (NERC and BEIS), along with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for Transport (DfT), will establish a Programme Executive Board (PEB) to oversee the progress of the programme. It is acknowledged that replacing carbon-containing fossil fuels (eg natural gas) with hydrogen would lead to reductions in carbon dioxide and methane emissions and therefore have a significant climate benefit. The implementation of a hydrogen economy will be a critical part of delivering net zero by 2050 in the UK. Read more here.
Innovate UK Announces Net Zero Hydrogen Fund Competitions - DEADLINE: 22 JUNE 2022
The Net Zero Hydrogen Fund (NZHF) is providing capital and development expenditure to support the commercial deployment of new low carbon hydrogen production projects during the 2020s. The aim is to ensure the UK has a diverse and secure decarbonised energy system, fit for meeting the ambition of 10GW low carbon hydrogen production by 2030, and the Government’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050. Read more here.
NO DEADLINE CALLS:
Innovate UK - Fisheries and Seafood Scheme - NO DEADLINE
This supports projects based in England that secure sustainable growth across the catching, processing and aquaculture sectors and that protect and enhance the marine environment. Further details here.
EPSRC Postdoctoral Fellowship - NO DEADLINE
Apply for a fellowship focusing on either: Energy or Mathematical Sciences. You must have either a PhD or at least four years’ experience in a relevant field by the start of your fellowship. An eligible UK research organisation must host and support you during your fellowship. Your fellowship can be up to three years long. This is prorated for part-time fellows, at a minimum of 50% FTE. The project can use one or a combination of discovery science, innovation, instrumentation and technique development or software engineering. Further details here.
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.
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10-11 May 2022 - Lloyd's Register Foundation - Safer World Conference 2022
Bringing together thought leaders from research, business, government, and other sectors to discuss the biggest safety challenges facing the world and develop new approaches to create a safer world. This year, the conference will cover a wide range of topics including safer oceans, the role of safety in accelerating progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, well-being in the workplace, understanding risk, and resilience. Read more here.
19 May 2022 - Royal Navy Undersea Warfare Industry Engagement Seminar - Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
This workshop will be an opportunity for the Royal Navy to set out its Seabed Warfare Problem Set and describe the challenges the Royal Navy is seeking to solve in this area. Representatives from industry and academia will share their experience of current seabed operations and equipment and offer insights into the future of seabed operations in the commercial sector and where there may be potential for sharing ideas and best practice for transfer into the military environment. The aim of the event is to begin a conversation on seabed capabilities and operations between academia, industry experts and representatives from the Royal Navy Underwater Battlespace Team. The presentations will NOT be sales pitches, but rather reflect the principles, challenges, concerns and examples of the respective individuals’ domain expertise. Read more here.
25-26 May 2022 - UK Ports Conference 2022 - London or virtual
The UK Ports Conference will provide you with a complete update on the UK ports sector. Attend over two days to identify opportunities for port growth and development and deliver solutions to overcome the primary challenges facing the ports industry. Understand the key issues facing the sector and how ports can respond to these with insight on responding to supply chain challenges, exploring the latest policy changes, including the introduction of freeports, and changing trade and shipping patterns. You will hear from ports experts on how to deliver the port infrastructure needed to support development as they share carbon reduction strategies making ports more sustainable, the technological innovations improving the efficiency of port operations, and how to update existing assets. Read more here.
6-10 June 2022 - Posidonia - The International Shipping Exhibition - Athens, Greece
Posidonia brings the whole shipping world to its exhibitors. The international shipping community attends in strength with national pavilions and thousands of visitors. Read more here.
18 June 2022 - TEDx Southampton University
The first confirmed speaker is alumnus Owen Gaffney. Owen’s talk, ‘The planetary emergency: this decade critical’, will reveal the science that shows the planetary emergency we face, and how the necessary changes are within our power through ‘positive tipping points’. Owen’s recent co-authored book ‘Breaking Boundaries’ features a foreword by Greta Thunberg, and the documentary of the book on Netflix is narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Read more here.
21 June 2022 - Digital Environment: A Networking Event co-sponsored by FELS and FEPS - Boldrewood Innovation Campus - Southampton
The event will harness Southampton’s large community of researchers who are interested in the environmental, observational and computer/data sciences. The programme will comprise a series of rapid-fire presentations that afford an opportunity to understand the breadth of Southampton’s expertise, complemented by interactive discussion sessions. The goal is to stimulate collaborations that lead to new research activities, including funding bids. Digital Environment is one of 8 priority areas in NERC’s Delivery Plan. A number of recent funding calls have been focused in this area, and it is very likely that it will continue to attract considerable funding in the future. Register and read more here.
21-23 June 2022 - Seawork 2022 - Southampton
Seawork is a ‘one stop shop’ providing access to the commercial marine and workboat business. Read more here.
30 June - 1 July 2022 - Waterjet Propulsion 2022 - online
The Royal Institution of Naval Architects and MARIC are providing a platform to discuss the latest developments on water-jet related technology, and to promote the exchange of novel ideas, technological progress, and possible cooperation among interested parties. Read more here.
16-25 September 2022 - Southampton International Boat Show 2022 - Southampton
Britain’s biggest and best festival of boating, showcases a plethora of beautifully designed boats and products from hundreds of global marine brands. From kayaks to catamarans, SUPS to superyachts, there’s a boat for everyone. Read more here.
26-30 September 2022 - Sea Tech Week® 2022: Maritime transport - Brest, France
Sea Tech Week® is a week-long international event focusing on marine science and technology. It brings together every two years more than 1,000 leading international experts in various marine-related disciplines to the city of Brest, France. Sea Tech Week® includes a scientific and technology conference, a professional exhibition, B2B meetings and social events. Registration for the event is likely to be in March. Read more and check the link here.
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