Skip to content

Story

New science fund launched celebrating the incredible life of Prof. Trevor Platt FRS

11 August 2023

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Trevor Platt Science Fund, which has been set up to support capacity building, primarily in developing countries, in the areas of aquatic environmental research, education and ocean stewardship.
 
Administered by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) in partnership with the Trevor Platt Science Foundation, the fund honours the remarkable life and career of the late Professor Trevor Platt FRS.

Professor Platt is world-renowned in oceanography, having been a leader in furthering understanding of the ocean and how it functions to sustain life on Earth. It was this knowledge and inherent grasp of oceanography that enabled him to apply his skills to a wider range of issues, challenges and fundamental questions about the ocean functions and how it impacts human lives.

Over the span of his impressive career, he held many prestigious offices, positions of influence and created opportunities to further push the boundaries of oceanographic understanding, as well as receiving many high-level awards.

He was also firm believer in sharing his knowledge, nurturing the next generation of scientists and above all, providing encouragement and guidance to countless young researchers.

Continuing Prof. Platt’s legacy, this new fund will support activities such as education, training courses, engagement initiatives, internships, mentorship and awareness building relating to the environmental sciences, with a focus on meaningful capacity building in developing countries.

The Trevor Platt Science Fund (PML) works with the Trevor Platt Science Foundation (India) to identify activities that may benefit from the fund and are aligned to its aims. The successful applicants will be based in a developing country or whose project will benefit those in developing countries. They will have a strong record of achievement in their chosen field, demonstrate a flare for stakeholder engagement and show a keen interest in optimising the impact of their science.

Professor Icarus Allen, Chief Executive of PML, said:

“PML had the privilege of hosting Prof. Platt for over 15 years and his impact on the organisation was tremendous. He generating novel areas of research, boosted PML’s international reputation and was always happy to share his knowledge and experience with colleagues, especially early career researchers. It is with great honour that we can uphold Trevor’s values through this new fund and support the next generation of environmental scientists across the world.”

Dr Shubha Sathyendranath MBE, Merit Remote Sensing Scientist at PML, Chair of the Oversight Committee for the Trevor Platt Science Fund and Trevor’s wife, commented:

“It is gratifying and inspiring to see how PML is keeping the legacy of Trevor alive through various initiatives such as the Fellowship in his name, and the Fund that has been set up in PML to promote capacity building and education, especially, but not exclusively, in developing countries. I hope these initiatives will benefit many worthy recipients of support.”
 
If you are interested in supporting the Trevor Platt Science Fund or PML in general, please contact our Fundraising Development Officer, James Lord.

Related information


Read more about Prof. Platt’s outstanding career.
Trevor Platt Science Foundation