Skip to main content
News

Podcast Series Explores the Future of UK Marine Research

Dr Helen Czerski, ocean scientist and broadcaster, and host of the podcast

The Future of UK Marine Research Infrastructure with Dr Helen Czerski

The future of UK marine research is at a pivotal moment with a window of opportunity to persuade the government of the benefits that come from understanding the ocean, and the importance of investing in the infrastructure we rely on to carry out our vital work – that's ships, buoys, satellites, autonomous vehicles, and more.

FMRI is aiming to secure major funding, ensuring the UK can plan and carry out critical ocean research for the next 20–30 years.

But, what actually is FMRI? How does it work? And why do we all need to get involved in the process?

A four-part podcast series, hosted by ocean scientist and broadcaster Dr Helen Czerski, takes a deep dive into FMRI and what it should aim to deliver for the ocean science community.

In this series, Helen interviews leading voices from across the UK science community to tackle the big questions:

  • Can we cut ship emissions and still do cutting-edge science?
  • Will autonomous tech replace scientists at sea?
  • And how do we secure funding for infrastructure that will enable world-leading research over the next 20–30 years?

Whether you're a researcher, mariner, policymaker, funder, or simply passionate about the stewardship of our oceans, this series is your guide to the challenges and opportunities ahead for marine science.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 

Listen to Episode One

What is FMRI and why does it matter?

Prof Sir Ian Boyd, former Chief Scientific Advisor for DEFRA
Professor Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland
Leigh Storey, Senior Responsible Owner for FMRI

Listen to Episode Two

How do we design for the future?

Leigh Storey, Senior Responsible Owner for FMRI
Sophie Fielding, British Antarctic Survey
Maaten Furlong, National Oceanography Centre

Listen to Episode Three

Imaging the future of UK ocean research

Leigh Storey, Senior Responsible Owner for FMRI
Professor Kate Hendry, British Antarctic Survey
Professor Yueng-Djern Lenn, Bangor University

Listen to Episode Four

Your questions answered

Leigh Storey, Senior Responsible Owner for FMRI
Professor Kate Hendry, British Antarctic Survey

 

More news

News

15 July 2026

Marine autonomy takes centre stage on landmark Greenland expedition

News

30 June 2025

Advancing Coastal Autonomy for a Sustainable Future

News

1 September 2025

Science Requirements Framework Webinar Published

News

1 October 2025

UK Charts Course for a Digitally Connected Marine Future

News

1 February 2026

FMRI at Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026

Thought Leadership
Prof Willie Wilson

Closing the Ocean Intelligence Gap

Help drive the next generation of ocean discovery

Get in touch