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PML and the National University of Singapore announce partnership to advance marine science research and education
17 October 2024
The signing of an Memorandum of Understanding was announced at a workshop in Singapore focused on marine monitoring.
Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in marine and climate science research and education.
The MoU outlines a framework for cooperation between PML, NUS TMSI and the St John’s Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML) hosted by NUS TMSI, focusing on joint research, staff and student exchanges, information sharing and collaborative workshops.
The partnership aims to leverage cross-institutional expertise to advance understanding and develop solutions in critical areas of marine and climate science; ranging from coastal environment monitoring, marine biodiversity and ecology, to ocean acidification, marine plastics, Blue Carbon and marine policy.
The MoU facilitates several key initiatives:
- Joint research projects in areas of mutual interest, promoting innovative approaches to marine science challenges.
- Staff and student visits for research discussions, joint activities, and participation in seminars and conferences.
- Exchange of scientific, academic, and technical information, fostering knowledge sharing between the institutions.
- Collaborative workshops, including those under the World Association of Marine Stations (WAMS), focusing on marine environment sensing and monitoring, with particular emphasis on plankton and plastics research.
The signing was formally announced at the ‘Marine Monitoring for Action: Safeguarding Our Shared Seas through Marine Environment Sensing and Data’ workshop in Singapore, which took place between 7th-11th October 2024..
Organised by the SJINML and the Marine Environment Sensing Network (MESN), with support from the British High Commission Singapore and the Conservation Artists Collective, the expert-led event has been designed to showcase how comprehensive marine monitoring informs management and policy, supporting various legislative initiatives.
Featuring in-person presentations from PML’s Director of Science, Prof. Steve Widdicombe, its Head of the International Office Prof. Matt Frost and PML Biological Oceanographer Prof. Helen Findlay, the event marks the first joint action as part of the MoU between PML and NUS TMSI, with further joint projects and initiatives to be developed.
Prof. Widdicombe, who presented at the event on the subjects of ocean acidification and the role of the PML-led Western Channel Observatory as an exemplar of an integrated ecosystem observing, said:
“This collaboration with NUS TMSI and SJINML marks an important step forward as part of our mission to enhance global marine science research. The announcement of the MoU at the Marine Monitoring for Action workshop underscores the global nature of marine science challenges and the importance of international cooperation. By combining our strengths, we can accelerate progress in understanding and protecting our oceans, which are vital to the health of our planet and the wellbeing of communities worldwide”.
Dr Jani Tanzil, Facility Director of SJINML and Senior Research Fellow at NUS TMSI, added:
“We are excited to collaborate with Plymouth Marine Laboratory, with the Marine Monitoring for Action workshop being testament to our commitment to bringing the community together to enhance marine science. This partnership will provide invaluable opportunities to harness the unique regional and global expertise of our researchers to boost scientific discoveries, and exchange strategies as marine laboratories to create real-world impact”.
Prof. Frost who, in additional to leading PML’s International Office, is also Chair of the World Association of Marine Stations and the UK National Decade Committee, said:
“The challenges facing our oceans know no borders. This partnership between PML, NUS TMSI and SJINML represents a wonderful opportunity to bridge continents and combine diverse expertise. Together, we hope to see significant strides in marine science that will benefit not just our respective regions, but marine ecosystems worldwide”.