Reinforcing both the university’s and the region’s reputation as a leader in marine science and engineering, the marineNewcastle network was officially launched by the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Nigel Sherlock.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, Professor Chris Brink, said: "There are big challenges facing the world today - global challenges that can no longer be solved in a piecemeal fashion.
"One of those challenges is ensuring a sustainable future and I particularly welcome the launch of marineNewcastle."
Professor Tony Clare, Newcastle University’s marineNewcastle Co-ordinator said: “By bringing together world-class scientists from a range of research disciplines, our goal is to find ways in which we can continue to use the seas as a source of food, energy and for transport, but use them responsibly and sustainably so we protect them now and for the future.
“The North East’s marine connection dates back to the middle ages when the Tyne became one of the main trading rivers in the country.
“The subsequent growth of the shipbuilding industry served to reinforce the North East’s reputation as a major centre of maritime activity.
“Newcastle University, with its wide-ranging research interests in many aspects of marine science and technology and its research collaborations around the globe is uniquely placed to position the North East at the heart of the maritime world once again.”
During the visit to Newcastle University, the Lord Lieutenant saw some of the research that is currently going on at Newcastle, such as the new state-of-the-art research vessel which has been designed by staff and students and is being built by North East ship builders Alnmaritec.
Professor Richard Birmingham, head of the School of Marine Science and Technology at Newcastle University, added: “In the fields of marine science and technology, Newcastle University is one of the premier academic institutions in the world delivering research and educational programmes of significant value to the marine sector regionally, nationally and internationally.
“The marineNewcastle launch event was an opportunity to showcase Newcastle University’s marine research and strengthen the links with the resurgent marine sector in the North East of England.”
Launch of Marine Research Network
UK - A new research network which will bring together world-leading experts to tackle some of the key challenges facing the marine environment now and in the future is being launched at Newcastle University.
