NERC Tech Forum 2026

The NERC Tech Forum 2026 is a premier technical gathering hosted by the Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) on behalf of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). This upcoming event is a cornerstone for professionals, researchers, and engineers working at the intersection of environmental science and cutting-edge technology. Spanning three days in June, the forum provides a vital platform for the UK’s leading environmental science community to share knowledge, demonstrate new technical capabilities, and foster collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines.

As the host, Plymouth Marine Laboratory offers a world-class environment for this exchange. The 2026 forum will focus heavily on the integration of marine autonomy, uncrewed systems, and advanced sensor technologies—areas where PML has recently been designated as a National Centre for Marine Autonomy. Attendees can expect a rigorous program featuring technical demonstrations of state-of-the-art research vessels and autonomous platforms, alongside deep-dive workshops on data management and environmental intelligence.

The event is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical technological application. It will showcase how innovations in AI, machine learning, and robotic sampling are revolutionizing how we monitor ocean health and respond to climate change. Beyond the formal presentations, the forum emphasizes networking, allowing technical staff and scientists from across NERC’s various research centers to discuss shared challenges and engineering solutions in a collaborative setting. By bringing together the "tech" focused minds of the environmental sector, the NERC Tech Forum 2026 aims to accelerate the development of the tools necessary for the next generation of global environmental observation.