Statement of intent

31 March 2000

Logo: University of Liverpool

Relocation of the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory to the University of Liverpool campus.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, Professor Philip Love, and the Chief Executive of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Professor John Lawton have agreed to work together to relocate the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (POL) at Bidston onto the University of Liverpool campus and to develop collaborative research. A statement of intent was signed last night (Thursday 30 March) although the move still remains conditional upon the approval of funding by the University and NERC.

Further discussions are to take place shortly to work through the details of future arrangements between NERC and the University in relation to the project. Although it is not yet a final agreement, Laboratory Director Dr. Edward Hill said, "this is an important milestone along the way in the eventual move of the Proudman Laboratory from Bidston onto the University campus". The NERC Chief Executive views the relocation of POL as a scientifically exciting project which will create a stimulating environment in which to conduct world class research, attract more overseas visitors and act as a focus to attract and train young researchers and students which are so important for the future.

The Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (POL) is one of three laboratories that make up the Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences (CCMS) which in turn is part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The Proudman Laboratory would remain within CCMS under the control of NERC but much closer interaction with the University would result from the move. The northwest has a long history of excellence in marine sciences, both at POL in Bidston and at the University of Liverpool with which POL has historic links. The Bidston laboratory was part of the University of Liverpool between 1929 and 1969. NERC is keen to build on this strength, through even closer partnership with the University. The relocation project would bring together the Proudman Laboratory and existing University groups with similar research interests onto a single site and could take place within the next 2-3 years.

POL Director, Dr. Edward Hill says, "The prize to be gained here is an even stronger national and international centre of excellence in Earth and Oceanographic Sciences in the Merseyside region. The centre would raise the profile of Oceanographic Sciences in the region to a level that neither POL nor the University can achieve on their own."

NERC and the University will work together constructively with all relevant parties to try to develop a long-lasting solution which recognises the heritage value of the historic buildings, including the Observatory, that would be vacated on leaving Bidston Hill. Staff at POL have been informed and will be involved in the process. The move of POL embraces fully NERC's main aim of enhancing the excellence of the UK science base for the environment.

Further information

Dr Edward Hill
Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences
Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory
Tel: 0151 653 8633
Fax: 0151 652 2754

David Bamber
University of Liverpool Public Relations Office
Tel: 0151 794 2248
Fax: 0151 794 2260

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Notes

1. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is the leading body in the UK for research, survey, monitoring and training in the environmental sciences. NERC funds research in universities and in its own Centres and Surveys. NERC trains scientists for the future - more than 3,000 postgraduate students have been funded by NERC over the last five years.

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Statement of intent

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