Taking place at Portcullis House, the event provided an opportunity for policymakers to meet NOC scientists and learn more about the vital role marine science and technology play in addressing some of the UK’s biggest challenges.
Experts Dr. Alexander Phillips, Dr. Michela De Dominicis, and Dr. Laurent Amoudry shared insights into NOC’s world-leading research and innovation across marine autonomy and robotics, offshore renewables, and coastal resilience.
The event attracted interest from across Parliament and Government, and we were particularly pleased to welcome Lord Whitehead CBE, Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Minister Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry at the Ministry of Defence. Conversations between ministers and NOC scientists focused on several key topics, including the crucial contribution marine science and innovation make to supporting the UK’s renewable energy ambitions and strengthening national resilience and security.
We were also grateful to host local MPs, Kim Johnson MP (Liverpool Riverside) and Darren Paffey MP (Southampton Itchen), highlighting NOC’s significant regional impact in both cities. Kim and Darren represent the constituencies of our Southampton and Liverpool sites, and it was a pleasure to host our local MPs together.
Representatives from the Department for Transport also attended, discussing NOC’s leadership in marine autonomy and the growing opportunities for ocean technology to support the UK’s strategic goals.
Sarah Taylor, Head of Public Affairs at NOC, said: “The parliamentary drop-in provided a valuable platform for NOC, enabling conversations between researchers and policymakers and helping to ensure that evidence and scientific expertise can inform decision-making on issues affecting the marine environment, economy and society.
“This was our first drop-in since the general election two years ago, and we were delighted to host a number of parliamentarians and speak to them about the vital work that NOC does to advance our knowledge of the ocean and its impact on society.
“We would like to thank Darren Paffey MP and Tristan Osborne MP for sponsoring the event, as well as all those who attended and contributed to a highly engaging and insightful afternoon.”
The event followed a separate parliamentary roundtable and reception which NOC was also involved in, held earlier the same week, to launch ‘The Future of Seagrass: Unlocking Investment by 2028’ report.
NOC hosted the event in collaboration with Climate Impact Partners, Project Seagrass, and Deloitte, and discussed the vital role seagrass plays in supporting biodiversity, coastal resilience, and carbon storage, highlighting the need for seagrass protection, restoration, and investment in the UK.
As we head into parliamentary recess, with a new Labour Party leader and Prime Minister, we look forward to continuing our engagement with parliamentarians and ensuring that UK policymakers are provided with impactful ocean scientific research and evidence.
