NECCTON Showcased at RISE UK–FR Event, Strengthening Franco-British Ocean Science

NECCTON was featured in early November at the RISE FR-UK event at The Royal Society in London, celebrating outstanding Franco-British collaborations driving European research. Hosted by the French Embassy, the event highlighted projects where cross-Channel partnerships play a central role in scientific excellence.

As a Horizon Europe initiative coordinated by Mercator Ocean International with project management from Plymouth Marine Laboratory, NECCTON is a flagship example of this cooperation. The project brings together 23 partners to deliver a new generation of models for the Copernicus Marine Service — including marine mammals, fish, seafloor habitats and pollution — advancing Europe’s ability to monitor and manage marine ecosystems.

The RISE event helped raise NECCTON’s visibility among policymakers, funders and leading research institutions, while offering a valuable space to strengthen connections with Franco-British partners and explore future collaboration opportunities. This engagement supports momentum as Mercator Ocean evolves toward a new intergovernmental organisation for digital ocean services, where continued UK involvement will be essential.