Story | 07 October 2026
Marine collaboration strengthened in boost to South West region
Two of the South West’s leading organisations for marine research and education have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reflecting their shared commitment to addressing the key issues facing the sustainable future of oceans.
The agreement between Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the University of Exeter is the latest chapter in a strong, collaborative relationship that dates back over a decade.
It will provide new and continued opportunities for future collaboration and allow doctoral students to capitalise on the expertise and experience of scientists from both institutions.
The MoU was signed during a special ceremony held at Plymouth Marine Laboratory on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
Chief Executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Professor Icarus Allen, commented:
“From award-winning research on microplastics to advancing our understanding of ocean carbon and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, PML and the University of Exeter have a proud history of collaboration at the cutting-edge of marine science.”
“This agreement reflects our shared ambition to go further. Together, we are part of an extraordinary concentration of marine science excellence in the South West. By strengthening our partnership, we can accelerate scientific discovery, deliver greater impact for society and the environment and reinforce the South West’s position as a world-leading centre for marine research and innovation.”
Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Impact at the University of Exeter, said:
“The partnership between the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory is a powerful example of what can be achieved when two internationally respected institutions combine their expertise, ambition and shared commitment to ocean science.”
“Together, we have built a collaboration that is delivering world-leading research, developing the next generation of scientists, and generating the knowledge and innovation needed to address some of the most urgent challenges facing our oceans and climate.”
“As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates to deepen our impact, strengthen the South West’s position as a global hub for marine science, and deliver solutions that benefit society, the economy and the environment.”
The partnership has helped secure research funding of more than £10 million since 2021, with an additional number of shared grants for joint projects, including the Convex Seascape Survey, SeaCURE and OC4Climate (Ocean Carbon for Climate).
Around 350 research papers have been published during that time, covering a broad range of subject areas and featuring a significant number of authors from both institutions, highlighting the breadth and depth of the collaboration.
Several PML and Exeter academics currently hold honorary or shared appointments in areas of close collaboration, such as marine ecology, conservation and marine management, the marine carbon cycle, environmental intelligence and marine natural capital.
The partnership also allows PML and Exeter doctoral students to benefit from the knowledge and experience of scientists from both institutions, with 24 PhDs benefitting from a joint or shared supervision arrangement since 2021.
