Meeting Notes - National Oceanography Centre

Regarding reimbursement rates, the Commission has proposed a fixed rate model for overheads.
Despite UK protests this is likely to be the model decided; though UKORO understand there is some
discussion still around rates for infrastructure initiatives. Jo Frost added that VAT should be reclaimable
in Horizon 2020. If management costs are no longer reimbursed at 100% rate, UK
organisations may be less keen to lead.
NOC Association activities
Jacky Wood gave a short overview of activities (see slides) The NOC Association has produced
monthly newsletters and is populating the website with copies of meeting papers and Association
activities. A draft ‘Grand Challenges’ leaflet was issued to delegates and initial comments invited so that
a final version could be produced. Briefing documents on key societal areas and the contribution of
marine science are also in production and additional impact case studies are invited.
Work to develop the ‘compendium’ would start shortly; this was now of increasing importance in the
context of MSCC. It would scoping the UK marine science community – research areas, core skills,
courses etc. – leading to ‘compendium of capability’. A question was raised whether the analysis of
capability could be broadened to include relevant social sciences.
The Association would also be involved in developing the roadmap of ‘technology for 21 st century
marine science’. NOC ISPO staff were facilitating the first meeting of the new Marine Facilities
Advisory Panel later that day.
Jacky Wood also presented a preliminary analysis of the response to the fieldwork survey; this was
based on returns submitted in a very short timescale; a fuller analysis and report will be completed and
announced via the Association’s website.
In response to an invitation from the Chair to give an update on the situation at the field station at
Millport David Paterson said that HEFCE funding has now been withdrawn and it seemed likely that
Millport would have to close in December 2013. The site’s infrastructure was in need of
modernisation. The Scottish Funding Council is currently looking at options. MASTS is also looking at
the provision of marine training in Scotland if Millport closes.
A question was asked as to whether the value of fieldwork on the NERC ships has been quantified. Ed
replied that it hasn’t and that it would be difficult to quantity although the importance of research
cruises as a way to train and sustain the marine science community should be recognised.
More generally in the suite of national and international activities the focus for the Association was to
improving influence and visibility (Europe, Government Departments though MSCC, NERC and other
Research Councils and to growing the Network for the NERC funded marine science community and
interface to ‘stakeholders’
Peter Liss asked if there is anything else the Association should be doing. In answer to a question
about how today’s discussion would be disseminated, Jacky Wood answered that the meeting note
would be published on the web site and its availability announced via the NOC Association newsletter.
Peter Liss acknowledged the role of the ISPO team in enabling the meeting and thanked delegates for
attending.
International and Strategic Partnerships Office
March 2013
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