Connecting Ocean Academics with Sensing Technology Academics in London (COASTAL)

This project will connect ocean scientists with engineers to align tech innovation with marine research needs, bridging knowledge gaps and laying the groundwork for future collaborations and spin-outs

This project aims to foster collaboration between ocean scientists and engineers specialising in sensing and deployment technologies. While rapid advances in medical and industrial sensor platforms offer exciting potential for ocean research, mutual understanding between disciplines remains limited. Through a series of four themed workshops across London institutions, the project will build a foundation for long-term collaboration, with UCL at its core. Each session will focus on a different area of ocean science—biology, chemistry, physical oceanography, and data science—culminating in a final workshop to consolidate insights and plan future initiatives.

Outputs include a position paper and the formation of a cross-disciplinary network to support future funding proposals and innovation. By promoting dialogue, shared priorities, and technical exchange, the project will catalyse new partnerships and help shape the future of ocean technology research.