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Ocean's eleven

4 August 2004

Invitation to a major oceanographic conference in Liverpool, 13 - 17 September 2004

A single typhoon can lead to worldwide financial losses, according to Professor Tommy Dickey who flies in from the University of California on 13 September for the Challenger Society's 11th biennial conference in Liverpool. He delivers the first keynote speech of the conference and demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can improve our ability to predict these destructive storms.

By now, most of us will have seen the summer blockbuster 'The day after tomorrow' where rapid climate change causes devastation across the USA and Europe. It might be a bit far-fetched but the science behind it is very real and will be addressed by Dr David Marshall from the University of Reading, on Friday 17 September.

Other speakers will explore the fascinating 'living laboratory' of the seabed, how tiny marine plants and animals can affect the climate by belching out minute quantities of gas, and the impact humans have on the marine environment.

Hosted by the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory and the Earth & Ocean Sciences department at the University of Liverpool, the Challenger Society conference runs from 13 - 17 September.

Dr Ed Hill, Director of the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, says, "I'm really excited about the conference being held in Liverpool this year. The Proudman Lab has been predicting tides and storm surges for over 100 years and is a major part of the area's heritage. It's a great opportunity for people to learn about the cultural history of the City and it's links with marine science - and have some fun at the same time."

Professor Ric Williams from the Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences at the University of Liverpool says, "There are fascinating questions about how the oceans operate, ranging from how the ocean overturns to how life operates on the sea floor. This conference will be bringing together scientists and research students from all over the UK to discuss these questions and move our understanding forward."

One of the highlights of the week is the Marine Science Policy debate on Monday 13th. This follows the style of the BBC's 'Question Time' and is chaired by Dr Ed Hill. The panel of guests are the Rt. Hon. Ian Gibson MP, Dr Colin Grant from British Petroleum, Professor Andy Watson from the University of East Anglia and broadcaster and producer Penny Allen, from the BBC's Natural History Unit.

The programme for the week offers a whole range of events and excursions. There's even a football match, a pub-crawl and a visit to the famous Cavern Club planned for the Wednesday.

Further information

Cathy Burke
Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory
Tel: 0151 653 1542

Jo Robotham
University of Liverpool press office
Tel:0151 794 2247

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

Notes

1. Journalists are very welcome to attend any of the sessions during the conference. To arrange interviews with any of the speakers please contact Cathy Burke, Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, or Jo Robotham, University of Liverpool press office.

2. Photo / film opportunities:

Marine Science Policy debate : starts 7.30pm on Monday 13 September in the Science Lecture Theatre A, University of Liverpool.

Display of scientific posters presented by researchers : from 7pm on Tuesday 14 September in the Courtyard, Guild of Students, Mountford Hall, Liverpool.

Five-a-side football matches between delegates taking part in the conference : Wednesday 15 September. (Venue to be confirmed.)

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool will be speaking at the civic reception and dinner : Thursday 16 September, starting at 7pm in St George's Hall, Liverpool.

For more information on any of these events contact Cathy Burke.

3. The Challenger Society for Marine Science is the UK's premier learned society for all those interested in the oceans. It was founded in 1903 with the aim of establishing a forum where British marine scientists could meet and discuss new work, taking its name from the highly successful Challenger expedition (1872-1876). It recently celebrated its Centenary.

4. The Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (POL) is a leading world centre in tidal prediction (with related interests in earth tides and storm surges) and a leading European centre in modelling and forecasting shelf sea dynamics. It is part of the Natural Environment Research Council, which carries out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment and is addressing some of the key questions facing mankind such as global warming, renewable energy and sustainable economic development.

POL recently moved to a purpose-built laboratory on the Liverpool University campus. The move is expected to encourage communication across academic disciplines - from oceanography to engineering, biology, medicine and social sciences.

5. The University of Liverpool is a leading research University in the UK. It has a long history in teaching and research in Oceanography, which now forms an important part of the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences. The Department has been awarded level 5 grading in the last three RAE exercises (1992, 1996 and 2000).

The relocation of the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory and concomitant relocation of the University's Oceanography Laboratories to refurbished accommodation on the same site reflects the commitment of both the University and NERC to Marine Science in Liverpool. The Department comprises 21 academic staff, over 20 post-doctoral researchers and graduate researchers, 5 experimental staff, 8 technical staff and 43 post-graduate PhD students.

Press release: 23/04

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