About Us

The Future Marine Research Infrastructure programme (FMRI) aims to develop and deliver the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) strategic investment in the next generation of large-scale, research infrastructure that will provide UK marine scientists with access to world leading capabilities.

The FMRI programme is currently at the beginning of the business case development phase, building the strategic, scientific and economic case for the future infrastructure in accordance with the HM Treasury Green Book process. It is a journey that will explore the requirements, constraints and options for the future research infrastructure, leading to the selection of a preferred option in summer 2026. FMRI is also coordinating a limited range of activities and projects to inform, de-risk and engage the marine science community with the transformation.

Our Vision

FMRI aspires to deliver a marine research infrastructure that allows us to observe the ocean in greater detail than ever before, enables cutting-edge scientific research and offers solutions for a sustainable planet.

FMRI will build a marine research infrastructure that upholds the multi-dimensional elements of scientific research including: quality, societal relevance and impact, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and which is, itself, sustainable.

The infrastructure developed by FMRI will support the ambition shown by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) to remove CO2 emissions by 2040.

It is clear to me that we have the opportunity, through the adoption of new technologies and the development of new observational techniques, to better understand and predict the rising levels of ocean acidification, deoxygenation and warming with the associated, catastrophic impacts upon that ecosystem. And we can be part of the solution to those issues. The leadership shown by UKRI and NERC in this context is incredibly important, and I hugely value the chance to be a part of this endeavour.

Leigh Storey, FMRI Senior Responsible Owner
 

NZOC Scoping Study

This study seeks to identify options for developing a world-class oceanographic capability with a reduced carbon footprint by presenting a range of options for transitioning to low or zero carbon capabilities.

NZOC Scoping Study