Disruptive technologies are driving rapid changes in many areas. Their impact on the marine engineering, science and technology sector will be highlighted by a series of inspirational presentations at a one-day conference, ‘Catch the Next Wave’, at The Royal Institution of Great Britain (Albemarle Street, London) on 12 March 2012, the eve of Oceanology International 2012, the world’s leading ocean science and technology exhibition.
Presentations given by global experts on key disruptive technologies will be complemented by leading speakers from marine research and the ocean industries. Paired presentations have been carefully selected to provide an overview of the ‘state of the art’ in each technology coupled with examples of how this emerging capability is impacting the ways in which we better understand the oceans, safely and economically develop ocean resources and protect the ocean environment. The day is designed to give providers and users of ocean technology an insight into the potential of disruptive technologies to make possible new science and create future business advantage.
‘Catch the Next Wave’, with its theme ‘Tomorrow’s solutions to today’s ocean challenges’ will turn the spotlight on materials, sensors, nanotechnology, power sources, robotics and cyber infrastructure. It will bring together a rich mix of people actively involved in research; in products and in the supply chain which translates research into scientific, social and business benefits.
“This is no ordinary marine sector specific conference but is designed to truly inspire our audience, ” explains conference chairman, Professor Ralph Rayner.
“We want people to go away captivated by what is happening in each technology area and connecting this with opportunities in their specific areas of science, engineering or business.
“We are talking about game changing developments, not evolutionary changes or improvements. Who, for example, would ever have thought just a few short years ago that underwater vehicles might be made of ceramics; that genomic and robotics could enable a seemingly ‘humble’ buoy to become a scientific laboratory; or that Remotely Operated Vehicles could have tactile ability and the dexterity of the human hand?
“We aim to spark our delegates’ imaginations and help them to prepare for an exciting future, ” he adds. “And what better place could there be to do so than the Royal Institution, home to two centuries of scientific and technological breakthroughs, and the oldest independent research body in the world. It is where Michael Faraday began his career as Chemical Assistant, helping Humphry Davy discover new elements and where he went on to conduct his own research and make massive contributions to disruptive technologies we now take for granted. Our speakers will stand at his desk and address delegates in the oldest scientific lecture theatre in the world.
”On a personal basis, it was attending lectures at the Royal Institution as a teenager that inspired me to a career in science and technology – we want this conference to similarly inspire every member of our audience; and to help ready them for the technologies that are set to revolutionise their science or their businesses.”
‘Catch the Next Wave’ is organised by Oceanology International 2012 and New Scientist, with New Scientist planning a special supplement on the conference. It is supported by the Society for Underwater Technology; the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and the Marine Technology Society.
The full programme for the event will be available during December and registration will then open at www.oceanologyinternational.com/catchthenextwave.
