The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) welcomed more than 2,000 visitors of all ages for a vibrant and engaging Open Day, celebrating the wonders of ocean science and discovery.
The annual event was once again a resounding success, with interactive exhibitions inviting guests to explore cutting-edge research and uncover the hidden depths of our ocean.
“We saw so many curious faces coming through the doors, eager to find out what lies beneath! The ocean is a fascinating subject, and it holds so many secrets – it’s hard not to want to know more."
Alice Kloker, Public Engagement Senior Manager (NOC)
A particular highlight was the live link-ups with the crew aboard the RRS Discovery, currently on a research expedition off the coast of Cape Verde. They gave a fascinating glimpse into life and work at sea and connecting visitors directly with ship’s crew in action.
Adding a playful twist to the day’s learning, families also took part in a spirited competition to determine the ultimate showdown: volcanoes versus gladiators. The imaginative challenge sparked plenty of laughter, making science accessible and fun for younger audiences as they discovered the full power of underwater volcanoes.
The underwater robotics proved popular too, from the remote operated vehicles (ROV) to ocean gliders.
Visitors were keen to discover the secrets of ‘Tiny but Mighty’ plankton. Without these drifting microscopic organisms, aquatic ecosystems would collapse and the global climate would be drastically altered.
Staff and volunteers praised the enthusiasm and curiosity of attendees, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in inspiring the next generation of ocean scientists, researchers and engineers.
Alice Kloker, Public Engagement Senior Manager at NOC, said: “We really enjoyed welcoming people from our local Southampton community to our facilities and showing them what we do and how we do it. I think many people don’t realise the world class research that’s taking place, right here on their doorstep.”
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