PML and University join forces to tackle environmental
issues
5th May 2009
The
relationship between the University of Exeter and PML has
moved a step closer today, with the signing of a memo of
understanding (MOU). This development signifies that both
institutions are committed to working together on a number of major
research projects and share a vision of developing a hub of
world-class science in the South West. It will involve two of the
region’s key research institutions working together to address some
of the most challenging environmental issues of the 21st
century.
The collaboration will bring together the
University of Exeter’s expertise in molecular biology and
state-of-the-art genomics technologies with the world class
reputation of Plymouth Marine Laboratory in marine ecology.
Projects will focus on the impact of environmental change on human
health, the effect of climate change on marine environments and the
biological effects of marine pollutants.
On Friday 1 May, Professor Stephen de Mora,
CEO of PML, visited the University of Exeter. He was given a tour
of the laboratories in the School of Biosciences and attended
presentations from University researchers before the MOU was
formally signed by both organisations.
The hope is that the MOU will also lead to
exchanges of students, the sharing of equipment and expertise, and
additional joint appointments between the two institutions. There
is an ambition to develop a leading centre in marine molecular
biology using the joint expertise in the two institutions. Projects
are expected to involve biosciences teams from the University’s
campuses in Exeter and Cornwall.
This
is a great opportunity for the University of Exeter” said
University of Exeter Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Janice
Kay, “The University of Exeter is investing £80 million in science
over the next three years. Many of the areas in which we will focus
this investment, such as Climate Change research and Systems
Biology will benefit from this linkage with Plymouth Marine
Laboratory. We have common research interests and a shared vision
for the growth of world class science in the South West.”
“There is some tremendously exciting science
being carried out at PML which addresses some of the major
challenges facing our planet, including the effects of climate
change on the world’s oceans and marine habitats” added Professor
Nick Talbot, Head of the School of Biosciences at the University of
Exeter. “This new collaborative agreement will allow us to apply
the latest technologies in genomics research to the study of marine
organisms, developing new expertise and a leading centre for marine
molecular biology. This centre will address the biological impact
of pollutants and environmental change on marine wildlife and
fisheries. We believe that together we can become a very powerful
centre for this type of research, which is important for the UK,
but also vital for the local economy.”
“We welcome this closer collaboration and look
forward to strengthening the region’s expertise in molecular
biology and environmental change research” continued Professor
Stephen de Mora. “The city of Plymouth already enjoys close links
between its marine science organisations through the Plymouth
Marine Sciences Partnership but this is a step further to enhance
the region’s capabilities as a whole and take advantage of the wide
range of skills and knowledge found within the SW peninsula.”
The two institutions already enjoy a close
working relationship in molecular biology research through projects
to develop molecular tools for algal transformation and the
characterisation of novel, natural catalysts. Other current
collaborations involve investigating the effects of pollutants on
estuarine environments in the South West, studying the behaviour
and population biology of salmon in South West rivers,
investigating the effects of marine environmental changes on human
health and a wide range of climate change-associated science. The
Met Office is a key partner in many of these projects.