Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ (Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ) is Scotland’s largest and oldest independent marine science organisation, dedicated to delivering marine science for a healthy and sustainable marine environment through research, education and engagement with society.
Based near Oban on the Scottish west coast, Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ research strengths include marine biology, marine mammals, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, robotics, marine policy, industrial impacts on the marine environment (renewables, mining, decommissioning), ocean currents, climate change, marine biodiversity, and Arctic science.
Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ employs over 160 staff and has a number of honorary research fellows. We train around 160 undergraduate and postgraduate students in marine science.
Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ is a charitable organisation (009206) with a membership that elects a governing non-executve Council. It is also a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in Scotland (SC 009292) and operates two wholly owned subsidiary companies: Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ Enterprise - a specialist marine consultancy - and Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ Ltd. Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ is an academic partner of UHI.
For more information, including the history of Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ, see
Leadership
Director: Prof Nicholas JP Owens
Deputy Director: Prof Axel EJ Miller
Mission statement
The Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ mission is to deliver world-class marine science that supports society with innovative solutions to developing a sustainable relationship with the marine environment. We deliver this mission through research, education, services to business, learned society activities and public engagement initiatives. We strive for a global reputation for excellence in marine science.
Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ strategy (2020-2025)
The Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ outlines the organisation's aim to help build a blue economy that considers environmental conservation and societal needs, thus promoting an ocean in balance.
Experts, and requests for interview
Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ has a wide range of expertise in marine science topics, from algae, aquaculture, deep sea and marine mammals to oceanography, marine technology, microplastics and the Arctic. Requests for interview can be made via the Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ media and communications manager euan.paterson@sams.ac.uk
Images and video
Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ has an image and video library, which holds assets that may be used for media purposes, in agreement with the communications team. Please contact the media and communications officer to request images or video relating to Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ' work.
Getting here
Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ is situated three miles north-east of Oban on the west coast of Scotland (PA37 1QA). Access to the institute is through the village of Dunbeg, off the A85 road. We are a two-hour drive from Glasgow and there is also a rail link between Glasgow and Oban. There is free parking on site.
Arrival
Please make yourself known at the main reception in the Sir John Murray Building and you will be met by your host who will have arranged access to filming locations and/or interview rooms.
Locations
There is a wide choice of filming locations within the Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ site. The institute is set in a picturesque, seaside location. Modern buildings host lab space, robotics facility and lecture theatres that can be accessed with prior notice. The site includes a pontoon that gives access to a small research vessel. The pontoon is adjacent to Dunstaffnage Castle. Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ also has a visitor attraction and outreach centre, the Ocean Explorer Centre, which provides great visuals for filming.
Filming
Your host will give you appropriate safety advice while on site but Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ would expect film crews to have minimum public liability insurance of £5m. Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ research vessels are registered to carry passengers and can be used for filming subject to availability and cost.
Diving
Appropriately licensed camera operators seeking to record underwater footage as part of their visit to Ώ΄Ζ¬ΏρΘΛ can seek assistance from Tritonia Scientific, which is based on site. All diving at work in the UK must adhere to the 1997 Diving at Work Regulations (). Media diving has its own Approved Code of Practice: . However, if filming a scientific diving operation then the scientific Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) may well be used:
